FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 10, 2001

Union Votes 89% in favour of Strike Actions
Strike Date Set For August 15, 2001 - 00:01 AM

Canadian Blood Services
HAMILTON, ON - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), Local 210, represents 41 laboratory technologists employed at the Canadian Blood Service in Hamilton. The employees produce, test and distribute blood and blood products relied upon by 26 area hospitals throughout the Golden Horseshoe.

Workers have been bargaining for their first collective agreement since December 2000. On July 26, 2001 the union asked the Ministry of Labour to set a legal strike/lockout date when the employer refused to continue bargaining on the outstanding issues.

On Tuesday, August 7, employees cast their strike vote ballots to determine if they would be prepared to strike to support their bargaining proposals. 89 per cent of the members cast their ballots in favour of taking strike actions, if necessary, to obtain a fair first collective agreement.

“This deal is not about wages, it’s about treating the employees with respect, making a commitment to them, and helping to ensure the quality of work they provide is not compromised,” union negotiator Gary Adams said. “The employees are looking to keep what benefits and entitlements they currently have and put contract language in place to encourage open dialogue with the employer about changes in the workplace.”

OPSEU President Leah Casselman spoke to the voting OPSEU members. “We understand the importance of the work these members do and the value it provides to the public to ensure a credible blood supply. Our members make Canadian Blood Services reliable and they are looking for respect and fair treatment. These members have the full support of OPSEU and the National Union (NUPGE) which represents unionized workers’ nation wide, in their attempts to reach a fair collective agreement,” Casselman said.

“The Union is hopeful that a deal can be reached with out a labour dispute however the Employer must get serious and commit to getting a fair deal for their employees,” Adams said. “In the mean time, the workers are preparing for the August 15 strike deadline. The parties have one mediation meeting set for August 14. Additionally, Ministry of Labour mediator Denise Hill is hoping to get the union and employer together one additional time before the strike deadline to try and reach a last minute agreement.”

OPSEU represents the majority of laboratory technologists in the province and all of the laboratory technologists in Hamilton. There currently is a shortage of technologists province wide.

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For further information: Gary Adams, OPSEU Negotiator (519) 820-3818