Ontario CBS workers ratify new contract: OPSEU

TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2015 /CNW/ - Ontario blood services support workers have ratified a new contract with CBS, after a difficult negotiations process that took them to the brink of a strike. The contract was ratified by a vote of 71%.

"I want to commend these workers for taking a strong stand for what is right," said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "They have been clear from the start of the negotiations process that they were prepared to do what it takes to ensure we settled a fair contract."

The new four-year contract is retroactive to 2013 and will expire in 2017.

Improved job security was key to the ratification. The union's primary concern was cost-cutting measures that would include laying off of full-time staff to move towards a part-time, casual work force.

"This is no place to start compromising good jobs and the professional quality of the work. The union believes that we have made progress in ensuring the security of the blood supply with this new contract," said Thomas. "We will continue to fight back against austerity policies, especially when they compromise citizen safety."

More than 800 employees of Canadian Blood Services are covered by the contract.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

More information: Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President, 613-329-1931; Emily Visser, OPSEU Communications, 416-557-7936, [email protected]