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'We are prepared to take job action to fight off the concessions tabled by this employer.' - Bargaining chair Brenda Thompson.
Toronto (18 June 2009) - Employees of Canadian Blood Services have voted 98% to strike if necessary to fight contract concessions at the bargaining table.
The employees are members of the support bargaining unit of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE).
OPSEU says the results "are a strong message" that the employees will not accept concessions.
"OPSEU members are very concerned about the major issues, which include concessions to hours of work, days off and consecutive weekends,” says bargaining chair Brenda Thompson.
“We are prepared to take job action to fight off the concessions tabled by this employer."
Talks between OPSEU and the employer continue in conciliation June 23-25. The employees have been working without a contract since March 31. The last contract was negotiated in 1995 following a 95% strike vote.
OPSEU represents approximately 900 full-time and part-time members in the support unit at Canadian Blood Services. The workers include drivers, utilities workers, clerks, administrative assistants, lab assistants, clinic assistants and phlebotomists.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE