On strike since November 2, the union’s bargaining team negotiated into the early morning hours of January 22 to reach a tentative agreement. Following a membership meeting and vote, the tentative contract has been ratified by the members of YEU/PSAC Local Y031, Many Rivers Counselling and Support Services.

The union’s demands were focused on improved access to EAP services for workers, flexibility to respond to client scheduling needs, and the ability of workers meet with specialist clinical supervisors during their working hours. These client care improvements were achieved along with a 7% increase in base salary over the life of the five year agreement.

The contract allows some time for Many Rivers to transition back to full operation. Clients can expect the society’s doors to open fully for business on Thursday February 7 in both the regional offices as well as the Whitehorse branch.

“The strength and solidarity of this group exceeds anything I have experienced in my union career,” said YEU President Steve Geick. “We witnessed this small, fiercely committed group of people hold their ground and stand firm for what they knew was right, and necessary. I am very honoured to have worked with, and learned so much from the Many Rivers team, and I am impressed by what they have accomplished together.”