Eleventh-hour development in Children's Aid talks

A tentative agreement has been reached tonight between Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 5269 and the Children's Aid Society of Algoma, SooToday is advised by sources at the negotiating table.

The local represents about 140 workers who have worked without a contract since April 1.

The deadline to avoid a strike was midnight tonight (Monday). 

Contract talks broke down and a no-board report was issued by the Ministry of Labour on August 15..

One week ago, CAS Executive Director Kim Streich-Poser announced that the agency was preparing a contingency plan in case of strike action.

A last-minute mediation session was scheduled for today.

Ratification votes are planned for this Wednesday in Wawa, Wednesday night in Sault Ste. Marie and Thursday in Blind River and Elliot Lake.

Details of tonight's tentative agreement were not released.

No service disruptions or reductions are expected. 

Earlier this year, Local 5269 President Lee-Ann Pettenuzzo was critical of what she said was CAS's willingness to sign off on concessions related to a provincial funding formula and the government's drive for a balanced budget.