Laurentian staff agree to contract extension, 10 months early

The union representing 280 clerical and service staff at Laurentian University has agreed to a three-year contract extension, 10 months ahead of schedule.

In a press release, interim president Pierre Zundel said the early agreement between the university and the Laurentian University Staff Union (LUSU) is a good sign for the entire Laurentian community.

"Reaching this agreement almost a year before the expiry of the current collective agreement reflects both the quality of the relationship between the University and LUSU, and our mutual interest in organizational stability as we finalize the University's 2018-2023 Strategic Plan," Zundel said.

LUSU president Tom Fenske said he's proud of the way the two sides have been able to work together.

"This relationship has allowed us to complete the latest contract process well ahead of schedule," Fenske said in the media release. "We all look forward to continuing that partnership to the benefit of the entire Laurentian community."

LUSU represents clerical and secretarial employees, technologists, technicians, computer staff, maintenance personnel, library staff including library technicians and assistants, operating engineers, printing services employees and security.

The extension will remain in effect until June 30, 2021. Under the terms of this agreement, LUSU members will receive economic wage increases of 1.8 per cent in 2018, 1.5 per cent in 2019 and another 1.5 per cent in 2020.