Risks to Ontario blood safety require answers: OPSEU

TORONTO, Jan. 6, 2015 /CNW/ - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is concerned that Canadian Blood Services is making decisions which could affect public safety. In response, OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas, is challenging CBS Chief Operating Officer, Ian Mumford, to a public debate regarding the safety and future of Ontario's blood supply.

The debate challenge comes as more than 800 CBS employees across Ontario approach a legal strike position as early as 12:01 am on Thursday, January 8, 2015.

"There are some serious questions for Ian Mumford to answer", said Thomas. "I don't believe his decisions put blood safety first."

Ontario's blood supply is at its lowest level since 2008. Meanwhile, CBS is shutting down donor clinics and cutting clinic hours. Close to 100 donor clinics were cancelled in the past year. A further concern is the plan to replace skilled full-time health care professionals with part-time and casual staff.

The union believes we must act now to ensure there is no repeat of the 1980s tainted blood scandal, which affected more than 30,000 Canadians, many of whom still suffer from HIV and hepatitis C.

"We can't afford another tainted blood scandal," said Thomas. "I'm calling on Ian Mumford to be open and transparent with the public regarding CBS commitment to public safety, and join in an important debate."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President: 1-800-268-7376; Laurie Miller, OPSEU Campaigns Officer: 416-697-1594; Emily Visser, OPSEU Communications: 416-557-7936