BloodLines Bargaining Bulletin: March 2025

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Since negotiations began, your OPSEU/SEFPO CBS bargaining team has been pushing for a fair and equitable agreement that reflects the needs and priorities of the membership. As we move forward with negotiations, we want to provide you with an update on the progress we have made so far and details on what lies ahead.

Past Bargaining Dates:

Your bargaining team and the employer have met on the following dates:

  • October 2-3, 2024
  • December 3-4, 2024
  • January 22-23, 2025
  • February 26, 2025

During the meeting dates in January, your bargaining team presented the monetary proposals from the priorities that you identified. Our monetary package included demands for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living, improved vacation entitlements for both full-time and part-time members, increases in premiums and allowances as well as sick leave enhancements for all members. We also continue to push for meaningful enhancements to our job security language to combat the threat posed by Grifols and the ongoing privatization of blood collections in Ontario.

We tabled these demands with the goal of achieving the best possible deal for the entire bargaining unit, one that recognizes us for the work we do and compensates us accordingly. Given the lack of meaningful movement from the Employer, the bargaining team made the decision to apply for conciliation to help advance negotiations.

At the February 26th session, little progress was made on key issues, highlighting the employer’s continued unwillingness to address our members’ concerns, and reinforcing our decision to file for conciliation. We remain committed to achieving a fair agreement and will continue to push the employer to recognize the value of your work.

Upcoming Bargaining Dates:

Future bargaining dates are scheduled for the following dates:

  • March 26-27, 2025 (with a government-appointed Conciliator present on March 26)

We will return to the bargaining table on March 26 with the support of a Conciliator, and we remain hopeful that this process will lead to real progress. During these dates, we will continue to fight for improvements that matter most to, including work-life balance, fair treatment and job protections.

Your support and solidarity are essential as we continue to fight for a fair and respectful contract and we will keep you informed every step of the way.

Update your contact info today!

Make sure your information is up to date so you get all the latest bargaining info. Forward this email on to your fellow colleagues if they didn’t get it!

If you have not filled out a member application form, you can do so here:
https://hub03.opseu.org/Forms/emaweb

If you have, you can register for or update your information on the OPSEU/SEFPO Member Portal:
https://members.opseu.org/

Instructions on how to create a Member Portal account and update your info can be found here:
https://shorturl.at/V9QXL

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