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Canadian Blood Services workers gearing up for strike vote

Employees must be ready to send strong message against any contract concessions, OPSEU says

 

Toronto (8 Aug. 2008) - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) is urging workers at Canadian Blood Services (CBS) to prepare for a possible "strong strike vote" this fall to combat employer demands for concessions at the bargaining table.

The union says the agency has approached the current round of negotiations with significant demands for "take-aways" and it is important that employees stand ready to take a united stand against concessions of any kind.

"On July 28 to 30 your OPSEU bargaining team met with CBS in Toronto to negotiate economic issues," the union notes in an update to members.

"CBS was not inclined to your demands. In fact, the parties have drastically different expectations regarding resolution of your key economic issues. The employer wants changes that would take significant amounts of money out of your pockets. And your bargaining team has refused. The employer wants to be able to schedule lieu days earned with no input from the members."

As a result, the union is calling on all members to attend meetings in Hamilton and Toronto in September to plot future bargaining strategy.

"At these meetings, we’ll discuss what’s gone on and, if mandated by the members, take a strike vote that will show our unity in standing against the employer’s clawbacks," it says.

The update is signed by Steve O'Marra, Shirley Johnny, Angel Thompson and Bernard King, staff negotiator. NUPGE

More information:

OPSEU newsletter: Bloodletters