The mediated deal is expected to bring some work that was contracted out back in-house.
Legal Aid Saskatchewan and the union representing its employees say they have reached a deal to resolve issues related to the government agency’s Saskatoon office, the restructuring of which sparked controversy this summer.
In a joint news release issued Tuesday, Legal Aid and Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1949 said the Nov. 22 agreement will bring some work that was previously contracted out back in-house, and create a mechanism for reviewing issues.
“This agreement is a positive move for Legal Aid Saskatchewan and will increase staffing levels at the Saskatoon office,” CUPE Local 1949 President Wanda Towstego said in a statement on Tuesday.
Legal Aid Saskatchewan CEO Craig Goebel added that the mediated agreement will help the organization move forward and take advantage of opportunities to improve service for its clients.
The agreement also resulted in the union withdrawing an unfair labour practice complaint filed against Legal Aid management.
The controversy began in June when the Saskatoon StarPhoenix reported that the agency planned to lay off some Saskatoon staff and contract out hundreds of recent arrest files, known as “duty counsel” work, to members of the private bar.
Concern about the changes grew over the summer, with some private lawyers and one provincial court judge speaking out. The Saskatchewan NDP also raised the issue at news conferences and in the provincial legislature.
According to the news release, the settlement was mediated by William Vancise, a retired justice of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal.