MTHA Officers ratify new collective agreement

TORONTO - Striking Housing Officers have ratified a new collective agreement with the Metro Toronto Housing Authority.

In voting today, officers in the 190-member bargaining unit voted 91 per cent in favour of the contract, finalized late last night.

"It’s a deal that moves our members ahead and significantly improves the working conditions and quality of life of our contract staff," said Tim Zavitz, chair of the bargaining team for the unit of Local 592 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. "Our team had no reservations about recommending it to our members."

The 190 officers went on strike Nov. 16.

A major issue in the strike was benefits coverage for contract employees, who represent 74 per cent of the bargaining unit. The agreement allows contract staff to join a cost-shared benefit plan that offers life insurance, vision care, and 80 per cent payment of drugs, most dental care, hospital stays, and nursing home care.

In addition, the agreement gives contract staff seniority rights in the event of layoff as well as the right to grieve discipline and dismissal.

"On wages, we kept pace with Toronto municipal employees for the period covered by the contract," said Zavitz. "That was always our goal, and we reached it."

The new contract runs from July 1, 1998 to December 31, 2000.

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Randy Robinson (416) 315-2982 (cell)

Bargaining Bulletin: MTHA Housing Officers settlement highlights

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