Bargaining could resume next week to end Thunder Bay strike
THUNDER BAY, ON, Aug. 10, 2018 /CNW/ - Unifor is optimistic bargaining will resume next week to end a 124 day long strike after Unifor ended a brief disruption of services at the Port Arthur Health Centre.
"All we have wanted to do for 19 weeks is to sit down and bargain a fair agreement with the doctors who own the centre and we hope they will seize this opportunity," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.
Unifor Local 229 represents 65 women who work as appointment secretaries, medical aides and in medical records at the centre..
In a court hearing where the employer sought an injunction, the judge encouraged both parties to begin constructive dialogue.
"We presented a comprehensive proposal to the employer that we believe presents the best opportunity to end this dispute and we would welcome any opportunity to not proceed with our bad faith bargaining complaint," said Katha Fortier, Assistant to the National President.
Unifor's complaint that the employer has failed to bargain fairly is scheduled to be heard by the Ontario Labour Relations Board on Thursday August 16, 2018.
"I want to thank all the Unifor members who came from across Ontario and Manitoba, as well as other union and community members who have showed solidarity with our 65 members," said Kari Jefford, President, Unifor Local 229.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor
Unifor Director of Communications Natalie Clancy: [email protected] or (902) 478-9238 (cell).
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