Workers had turned down previous contract: OPSEU
The bargaining team representing more than 850 Canadian Blood Services (CBS) support workers — represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) — reached a new tentative settlement with the employer.
The workers have been without a collective agreement since their last contract expired on March 31, 2017, said the union.
The deal comes in the wake of a previous tentative deal that members turned down. Under that agreement, contract disputes would have been settled through interest arbitration, according to OPSEU.
"The members spoke loudly and clearly," said Jennifer Johnson, bargaining team chair. "We've made substantial gains, which build on all the gains made in the previous settlement. In terms of wages, workers will see increases of 1.75 per cent in each year of the contract. In addition, drivers will receive a $1 hourly increase, even as an evaluation of their position will continue.”
CBS will hire five full-time donor care associates for the Local 5103 area — one that is particularly lacking in full-time staff, said Johnson.
