Community First employees accept contract offer (updated)

Striking Community First Credit Union employees will return to work in the very near future.

Today, USW Local 7129 voted 63 percent to accept the Credit Union’s third contract offer.

The strike, which affected operations at both Sault Ste. Marie branches and the Timmins branch, began January 1 when the previous three-year contract expired.

USW Area Coordinator Jack Ostroski told SooToday.com that contract negotiations broke down over cutbacks to vacation days, employee bonuses and sick pay.

Included in the new contract, the 13 weeks of full sick pay previously available to employees is limited to two weeks at full pay and reduced pay for additional sick weeks depending on seniority.

For example, an employee of 10 years or more will be entitled to two sick weeks at full pay and up to 11 weeks at 80 percent.

Ostroski declined to speculate when employees will return to work, stating that it was up to Credit Union management to contact its employees.

A news release issued by Community First Credit Union follows.

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Collective agreement reached between Community First Credit Union and unionized employees

SAULT STE. MARIE - Community First, a credit union serving members in Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and surrounding areas, is pleased to announce that we have reached a collective agreement with USW 7129, the union representing our unionized front line employees.

The agreement was ratified on January 13, 2012.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted that our employees will be back to work on Monday. I would also like to thank our members for their patience during our labour disruption,” said Greg Peres, CEO, Community First Credit Union. “The agreement is fair to our employees, our members, and the business.”

This three-year collective agreement ensures that our employees remain among the best compensated in the credit union industry but also reflects the current financial environment.

Community First’s Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie branches will recommence regular business hours on Monday January 16, at 9 a.m.

Members should also take note that the credit union’s Bay Street branch will be closed on Saturday January 14.

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