FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 4, 2002
Critical point approaching in Canadian Blood Services contract talks
OTTAWA - Contract talks between Canadian Blood Services and over 850 Ontario blood collection workers are approaching a critical point.
“The next two days will decide whether conciliation succeeds or fails in getting blood collection workers the improvements they need,” said Walter Belyea, negotiator for the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. “If conciliation fails, our 97 per cent strike vote is a clear mandate from our members to move towards a
strike deadline.”
The workers, who are responsible for collecting blood for Ontario hospitals, are clinical assistants, drivers, lab assistants, recruiters, clerical staff and other support workers. Key issues are scheduling (over 60 per cent of employees are part-time), monetary matters, and benefits.
A strike would close blood collection centres in Barrie, Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Ottawa, Peterborough, Sarnia, St. Catharines, Toronto, and Windsor.
Talks continue today and tomorrow in Ottawa.
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For more information: Walter Belyea (613) 296-9021
