Canadian Blood Services (CBS) workers with the Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees (NSUPE) will be picketing outside the CBS Winnipeg office next week, and the MGEU is proud to stand in solidarity with them.
NSUPE Local 19 walked off the job on Labour Day and is now approaching their tenth month on the picket line. Members voted to strike after the employer refused to guarantee their hours of work which has now taken away their ability to get health benefits. In the previous contract that has since expired employees were give a guaranteed amount of hours.
“We support our brothers and sisters from NSUPE Local 19 and their fight for fairness when it comes to health benefits,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky. “These workers provide an important, life saving public service - shame on the employer for not recognizing their value.”
“Our members contribute to saving thousands of lives each and every day, but still we are being shut out of health benefits? How does that make sense?” asked Tanya Herrell, President, NSUPE Local 19. “People who work with blood products deserve health benefits, like others in the healthcare sector receive.”
Two pickets will held in Winnipeg next week while CBS Executives meet on Thursday in Winnipeg.
The Pickets will be held on Tuesday, June 21 from 5:00pm –
7:00pm and Wednesday, June 22 from noon – 4:00pm. Both pickets will be held in front of the CBS
office located at 777 William Avenue in Winnipeg.