Municipal workers in Black River-Matheson, Ont., reach agreement with the township

An agreement has been ratified between municipal workers in the township of Black River-Matheson and the municipality, ending a seven-month labour dispute.

CUPE Local 1490 president Serge Bouchard confirmed to CBC News they've ratified an agreement, but could not share details about the return to work.

A CUPE representative said in an email that an agreement to end the strike has been reached, and a statement with more details would come later in the day.

The 14 workers represented by CUPE Local 1490 have been on the picket line since Oct. 15.

The workers rejected an earlier tentative agreement reached with the municipality in early May.

Last month the provincial government took the rare step of vacating all of the seats of Black River-Matheson's mayor and council, because they failed to meet for over 60 days.

The province has appointed Kathy Horgan, manager of local government and housing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's northern regional office, on an interim basis to exercise the duties and obligations of council.

Residents go to the polls to elect a new mayor and council in August, 2024.