TORONTO – Seventy laboratory technologists of the Toronto Blood
Centre, members of OPSEU Local 5101, could go on strike March 11 if
the Canadian Blood Services doesn’t improve its wage offer.
In December, the registered technologists, senior technologists and
charge technologists, who test all of the Toronto area blood, supply,
voted 93 per cent in favour of a strike.
"There's no room for error in the work we do, we are dedicated
to the quality of the blood supply and the employer’s wage offer
must reflect that," said Crystal Chow, Local 5101 president.
"Blood doesn’t move until we have performed all of the safety
tests and inspections. We are run off our feet, working six days a
week to keep blood safe. Why are our wages so far behind other health
care professionals?"
"The employees are frustrated with the Canadian Blood Service’s
lack of respect for the work they do," said OPSEU negotiator Rob
Field. "They have not received a wage increase in nine years.
They want wage parity with other health care professionals in the
Centre, such as nurses."
Other contract issues include safe access to the building for night
workers and enhanced vision and medical benefits that were given to
other employees at the Centre.
Negotiations between OPSEU and Canadian Blood Services began Sept.
15, 1999. The OPSEU bargaining team asked the conciliator for a
"No Board" report on Feb.11. This would start the clock
ticking toward a possible strike or lockout on March 11. Talks have
moved very slowly since December. A mediation date is set for March 6.
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For further information:
Rob Field, OPSEU Negotiator (416) 450-1204
Crystal Chow (416) 974-9900 ext. 3305
