Many Rivers strike is over

A new collective agreement has been reached between Many Rivers Counselling and Support Services and its employees.

A tentative settlement was reached with the help of federal mediators on Tuesday. It was ratified today, ending the strike the 18 workers began Apr. 16.

“We are very pleased we have been able to reach a settlement,” said Marilyn Wolovick, Many Rivers’ executive director.

“Both sides came to the table ready to bargain honestly, and we were able to find common ground and achieve a fair solution.

“This has been a difficult time for everyone, and I am hopeful we can put it behind us and resume our high-quality, professional service to our clients and communities.”

Staff will be back at work at 9 a.m. Friday.

“We believe that we have reached a fair compromise that balanced the needs of management and employees,” said Wolovick.

She thanked mediators Bill Lewis and Kathy Peters for helping finding a resolution to the dispute.

The workers, based in Whitehorse, Watson Lake and Dawson City, are represented by the Yukon Employees Union/Public Service Alliance of Canada.

The main issue in the dispute was employees’ flextime.