TORONTO - Ontario’s supply of blood has dwindled from four days to one as Canadian Blood Services uses Ontario blood to break a strike in Nova Scotia.
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) staff in Nova Scotia, members of Local 12 of the Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees, representing clinical assistant, drivers and recruitment coordinators, have been on strike since Nov. 10 2003.
Workers in Nova Scotia, without a contract since March 31, 2002, rejected an offer from the employer last week.
Ontario CBS staff say Ontario’s blood is being shipped to Nova Scotia to prolong the strike. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) represents staff in Ontario CBS units. Meantime, CBS says Ontario’s demand for blood has reached “unprecedented levels.”
“Ontarians should be aware that the blood supply is a national one, so their kind-hearted donations of blood at this time are serving to lengthen a strike in Nova Scotia that has already extended to 68 days,” said OPSEU President Leah Casselman.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
David Cox, OPSEU communications: 416-443-8888, ext. 314
