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NOSM University Board of Governors and OPSEU/SEFPO Local 677 (Unit 1) Ratify Three-Year Collective Agreement

NOSM University and the NOSM University Faculty & Staff Association (NUFSA) represented by OPSEU/SEFPO Local 677 (Unit 1) are pleased to announce the ratification of their sixth collective agreement, covering full-time faculty, librarians, and professional staff at the University.

Both NUFSA’s members and NOSM University’s Board of Governors voted in favour of ratifying the new collective agreement on November 8, 2023.

On behalf of the NOSM University’s Board of Governors, Ms. Joy Warkentin, Chair, would like to thank the members of both negotiating teams for their hard work in reaching an agreement that will ultimately benefit learners and communities across the North. NOSM University and its Board of Governors look forward to the continuation of a strong professional and productive partnership with OPSEU/SEFPO Local 677, Unit 1 over the next three years and are appreciative of their members’ contributions to the University’s vision of Innovative Education and Research for a Healthier North.

Dr. Darrel Manitowabi, President of the bargaining unit negotiating the contract, appreciates the work of both negotiating teams coming to an agreement that prioritizes equity and upholds the quality medical education provided by the faculty, librarians and professional staff of NOSM University at a time when Northern communities need more doctors.

NOSM University Faculty and Staff Association (NUFSA) and OPSEU/SEFPO Local 677 President Nicole Bessette also expressed her appreciation for the support of NUFSA members, students, and the wider Northern community for equity and good working conditions that ensure the continued success of NOSM University as it grows and expands.

Formal negotiations began in June 2023, led by chief negotiators Mr. Garth O’Neill (NOSM University) and Dr. Simon Lees (OPSEU/SEFPO Local 677, Unit 1). The agreement covers three-years and is in effect from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026. It provides improvements to wages, benefits and various components of the collective agreement that represent mutual enhancements of the workplace and are in line with the university sector in Canada.

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For more information, kindly contact:

For NOSM University:
Joanne Musico
Director, Communications and External Relations
NOSM University
news@nosm.ca

For OPSEU Local 677 (Unit 1):
Dr. Darrel Manitowabi
President, Unit 1, OPSEU Local 677
NOSM University Faculty & Staff Association
705-929-0177

NOSM University calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict

On October 11, 2023, NOSM University issued a statement calling for peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. Some learners at NOSM University have voiced their anger and confusion about this statement that did not acknowledge both sides affected. It is true we failed to acknowledge the suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza in addition to the Israeli civilian population and all civilian populations affected by this war. The conflict in Gaza is deeply disturbing. We assure you that we do not support war or terrorism, nor do we deny there is immense suffering of innocent populations. First and foremost, NOSM University sides with peace. When peace fails, we feel it is imperative that human rights are respected. This is consistent with the statement of the United Nations. The statement issued by NOSM University attempted not to take a side but reflected the sad events of that time. We are a caring and inclusive community. We are truly sorry for the unintended disappointment and loss of trust in our institution that this has caused.We are committed to a path forward and working on a framework that will guide future decisions around any such statements that are made on behalf of the University.

NOSM University will form a Task Force after the next Board of Governors meeting on November 24, 2023, to develop a policy and process about the issuance of any political statements.

This group will include learners and NOSM University Board of Governor representation, and will be chaired by Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, Associate Dean Equity and Inclusion. For NOSM University Learners, Homewood Health is available to you and your family 24/7 at 1-800-663-1142

NOSM University