The strike began May 25, affecting developmental services across Norfolk County.
A strike at the Norfolk Association for Community Living (NACL) has ended after nearly five months, with the organization and OPSEU/SEFPO Local 204 reaching an agreement.
The strike began May 25, affecting developmental services across Norfolk County.
Community Participation, Job Links and Passport services were paused, while Supported Independent Living continued at reduced service levels.
Throughout the labour dispute, workers called for better wages, increased provincial funding and improved support for front-line developmental services.
The union argued that years of underfunding had left workers without competitive compensation, while NACL maintained that limited provincial funding restricted what it could offer without putting services at risk.
The dispute also drew attention to the challenges facing families and individuals who rely on community supports.
In September, Norfolk resident Jane Bradley told myFM that her 68-year-old aunt, Judy, who has cerebral palsy and lives independently, was increasingly relying on family members to fill gaps in support during the strike.
The two sides also publicly disagreed over how best to reach a settlement.
OPSEU/SEFPO Local 204 pushed for mediation-arbitration, arguing it offered a path toward resolving the dispute, while NACL maintained that a negotiated agreement reached through local bargaining was the best outcome for employees, the organization and the people it supports.
In a message to the community announcing the agreement, NACL said both parties remain focused on continuity of care for supported individuals.
The organization also acknowledged the difficult period for everyone involved and said it is focused on helping employees transition back to work while establishing a stable, respectful and positive workplace.
NACL says the return to full service delivery will happen in phases over the coming weeks and months.
Specific reopening dates for individual programs will be announced as they are confirmed.
The organization thanked families, employees and community members for their continued trust and support as it begins the transition back to regular services.
