Laurentian University professors end strike; deal ratified by 97%

Laurentian University professors will be back on the payroll tomorrow.

More than 360 full time and 200 sessional professors have ratified their new contract with 97 per cent in favour. The terms of that agreement were worked out early Friday between their union and the school.

The teachershad been on strike for 10 days.

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JamesKetchum,president of theLaurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA)spoke with CBC News shortly after the votes were tallied.

He said details of the contract won't be released until afterthe Laurentian University board of governors have a chance to vote on the deal.

However Ketchum saidthe terms were very wellreceivedby LUFAmembers, when they werepresented to the professors during two information sessions on Friday.

The turnout for the first meeting was impressive, said Ketchum. He attributes that to the energy his members gathered while theywere on the picket line.

"This shows thatthe administration and the board of governors heard the faculty,and haveresponded to the concerns. Thispositions the university in a positive way going forward,"Ketchumsaid.

The board of governors is expected to vote on the agreement on Tuesday.

"I am pleased that both bargaining teams have reached an agreement that fulfills the needs of our faculty and the university," said interim Laurentian PresidentPierre Zundelin a statement.

"Now we can all get back to providing a world-class education to our students."

Students at the campus in Barrie will return to classes on Tuesday. However, next week is reading break for thestudents at the Sudbury campus. Thosestudents will return to classes on October 16th.

Professors will be back in their offices next week, but there will be no teaching due to the break.