We want to provide you with an important update following the latest bargaining session that took place on March 26, 2025, with the presence of a government-appointed conciliator. Despite presenting a reasonable set of proposals that addressed the priorities and concerns you’ve identified, the employer’s position remained far from meeting the needs of our members.
As a result, your bargaining team has made the decision to request a “no-board” report. This step signifies that the parties are at an impasse. The next step in the process will involve interest arbitration, where an impartial arbitrator or an arbitration board will review the issues and make a binding decision to resolve the dispute.
Key Issues Still Unresolved:
Wages and Cost of Living: Our members deserve wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living and the critical nature of the work we do. The employer’s proposals have not addressed these concerns adequately.
Vacation and Sick Leave: We continue to fight for improved vacation entitlements and sick leave enhancements to support a better work-life balance for all members, both full-time and part-time.
Job Security: Protecting our members from the threat of privatization and ensuring meaningful job security remain top priorities, especially considering Grifols ongoing efforts to expand private blood collection in Ontario.
Premiums and Allowances: We are advocating for increases to existing premiums and allowances that reflect the demands and value of your work.
Our goal remains to secure a fair and respectful agreement that recognizes the critical contributions of our members. While we hoped to see more progress at the table with the support of the conciliator, we remain committed to achieving a strong deal that meets your expectations.
Next Steps:
We ask all members to stay engaged and united as we transition to interest arbitration. Your bargaining team will keep you informed every step of the way, and we will provide further updates as soon as we have additional details regarding the arbitration process.
Thank you for your continued support and solidarity during this challenging time. Together, we remain strong in our commitment to achieving the fair and equitable contract you deserve.
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In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team:
Alberto Alvaro, Chair – albertoalvaro@live.ca
Audrey Smith – anmsmith@hotmail.ca
Alexis Victoria – alexis_v99@hotmail.com
Brent MacPherson – bgmacpherson@hotmail.com
Kevin Beresten – kberesten@gmail.com