FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 16, 2005
Ontario Blood Services workers reach tentative deal
A tentative agreement has been reached this morning between Canadian Blood Services and its Ontario Support Unit after an all-night bargaining session in Ottawa.
The early morning agreement followed shortly after the Ontario Public Service Employees Union set a strike deadline of July 25 for the 850 employees in the unit.
The three year agreement calls for wage increases, enhanced job security, improved benefits and better scheduling language.
"We knew all along that it was in CBS to give," said OPSEU President Leah Casselman. "This agreement will bring greater stability to the system that will be of benefit to all Ontarians."
The Support Unit is the largest such group in Canada, made up of phlebotomists, clinic assistants, drivers, lab assistants and office staff. Ontario produces 47 per cent of the blood collected by CBS across Canada.
A date has yet to be set for the 850 member province-wide unit to vote on the deal. Two other Canadian Blood Services Units are still at the bargaining table in Ontario, including Technologists in Toronto and Hamilton as well as the Thunder Bay Plasma Unit.
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For more information, contact Rick Janson at 416-443-8888 ext 8207.
