We’re not bluffing, blood services union says of possible strike
Saskatchewan blood bank workers say they’re willing to strike as labour talks with their employer reach an unprecedented threeyear mark.
“I don’t consider myself new. I’ve been around the block, and this is the longest round of bargaining I’ve ever seen,” SEIU-WEST president Barbara Cape said.
The union, which represents roughly 80 employees at Canadian Blood Services locations in Saskatoon and Regina, has been at the table with CBS’S Saskatchewan branch since their last five-year collective agreement lapsed at the end of March 2017.
The talks have dragged out for years as the two sides have repeatedly failed to find agreement. In June 2019, the employer’s last offer to the union’s members was rejected and an impasse was declared, meaning talks were officially stalled. A special mediator was appointed in the fall, but failed to find a resolution.
While neither side would discuss details of their bargaining proposals, Cape said the union wants more expansive contracts for its employees, most of whom only work part-time.
CBS declined to comment on its position except to say it “values the contributions of our employees to the safety and reliability of Canada’s blood system. We engage in open and honest two-way communication with our unions and honour all provisions of our collective agreements.”
The non-profit is independent from government, but virtually all of its funding comes from provincial and territorial ministries, which also elect the organization’s board.
In November, the employees voted to authorize strike action — but CBS has applied to the labour relations board to consider its services essential, meaning a strike is also not an immediate option for the union.
“Canadian Blood Services takes the position that it provides an essential service to the residents of Saskatchewan,” spokeswoman Deb Steele-kretschmer wrote in a prepared statement. “As this matter is currently before the Labour Relations Board, it would be inappropriate to provide further comment.”
Cape said the union has focused on bringing attention to the dispute through picketing a recent Cbs-affiliated event and an online petition, but will have to wait until a labour relations board meeting next month to see if they can go on strike.
She said it’s an option the union is strongly considering.
“When we vote to strike, that is not a bluff. This isn’t poker. We are extremely serious about this,” Cape said.