FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2000

Media Advisory

Lab Staff at Canadian Blood Services say: Save a life today, you may not be able to after March 11

TORONTO - OPSEU Local 5101 at Canadian Blood Services are full speed ahead with their strike preparations.

OPSEU Local 5101 will hold an information picket:

When: Friday March 3, 2000 at 12:45 p.m.

Where: Canadian Blood Services Donor Clinic
             ManuLife Centre
             Bay and Bloor

"We know the quality of the blood supply is foremost in everyone’s mind," said Crystal Chow, Local 5101 President. "It’s time that the public knows how the management at CBS is willing to jeopardize the safety of the blood supply in Toronto by running their staff into the ground. The quality of our working conditions helps to ensure safe blood."

"The staff is extremely dedicated and has gone 8 years without a wage increase," said Rob Field, OPSEU staff rep, "Working conditions have deteriorated over the past eight years. Wages, benefit improvements and improved safety measures when the staff come to work at night remain the outstanding issues."

Negotiations between OPSEU and Canadian Blood Services began on September 15, 1999. The OPSEU Bargaining team asked for a "No Board" Report from the Conciliator to start the strike clock ticking on Friday February 11, 2000. Talks have moved very slowly since December 1999. A mediation date is set for March 6, 2000.

For further information: 

Rob Field, OPSEU Negotiator, (416) 450-1204
Crystal Chow, OPSEU Local 5101 at Canadian Blood Services: (416) 974-9900 ext.3305