OTTAWA - A majority of the 200 workers at the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography today ratified the tentative agreement reached on their behalf on July 10 by their negotiating team. The workers, members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), have ended their strike which began on May 10. They will return to work on Monday.

"We succeeded in obtaining some decent wage increases from the Gallery because we stood up and we were united throughout this strike," stated Jim Prowse, President of Gallery Local 70397. "It is unfortunate that the Gallery took so much time to table reasonable increases, but we are happy to be able to return to the Gallery as of Monday. I think I can say without any pretence that our strike has touched the hearts and the minds of the public in the Ottawa area and elsewhere. I invite those who have not yet viewed the Klimt exhibition to come and admire these magnificent paintings as of Monday."

The new collective agreement is in effect for three years and will expire on June 30, 2003. "We wanted a three-year contract," said Anne Jolicoeur, member of the bargaining team. "The employer wanted to impose a five-year contract, but without offering enough money for the two last years. We simply refused."

Members will receive an average increase of up to 10.25% for the duration of the collective agreement. This includes a 2.25% wage increase retroactive to July 1, 2000, as well as an additional increment at all levels and the elimination of an increment at the bottom level (this represents a 2% increase); a 2.5% increase on July 1, 2001 and the addition of a partial increment (a 0.5% increase) at all levels; and, finally, a 3% increase on July 1, 2002. A $500 signing bonus will be paid to all workers.

The Gallery agrees to withdraw all civil suits launched against its staff during the strike. A return to work protocol was negotiated to the satisfaction of the parties. It assures that an inclusive, respectful and supportive work environment awaits the workers upon their return. In addition, the employer has committed to providing a letter to the PSAC indicating that there will be no reorganization during the life of the collective agreement. The new agreement also includes major improvements to the maternity and parental leave provisions, leave for care of the immediate family and vacation leave.

"The faultless solidarity of these workers, as well as the great originality they demonstrated during those nine weeks, have significantly contributed to this major victory", commented John Baglow, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for the National Capital Region. "When I am asked what is the Public Service Alliance of Canada and what are our accomplishments, I like to refer to this exceptional group of workers. I am convinced that their battle will inspire many of our members."

Negotiations between Local 70397 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada at the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography had broken off last March. Final talks leading to the tentative agreement resumed on July 10 between John Gordon, National Executive Vice-President, PSAC, Pierre Théberge, Director of the Gallery, and a mediator appointed by the Minister of Labour.

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Jim Prowse, president and negotiating team member, Local 70397 - PSAC - (613) 282-2354
NGC and CMCP Headquarters, 200 Dalhousie St., Ottawa - (613) 244-0951
Mark Pecek, regional representative, PSAC - (613) 282-2101

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