Download a PDF of the bulletin.
Message from OPSEU/SEFPO’s President and First Vice-President/Treasurer
Our deepest thanks goes out to all of you for your work on the frontlines of this pandemic. The public is relying on access to a safe, reliable blood supply now more than ever. As essential frontline workers, you’ve shown Ontarians your dedication and professionalism, and earned their massive respect and support. That respect must be shown by your employer as well, for the valuable role you’ve played in keeping our healthcare system running under extreme pressure. Bargaining is never easy, but our union is experienced and stronger than ever – you’ve got the full support of OPSEU/SEFPO’s 180,000 members every step of the way. In solidarity, Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, First Vice-President/TreasurerMessage from Bargaining Team Chair
It’s because of the hard work, dedication, and skill of every single CBS worker that Ontario has access to the safe blood supply that people need in their most vulnerable times. The work we do saves lives every day. We do our work with professionalism, compassion, care, and consideration for every person who walks through CBS’s doors, and we deserve to be treated with respect by this employer for that. Respect for our skill, our safety, our value. Your bargaining team will be fighting hard for improvements to our Collective Agreement that reflect our value and contributions to the safe, high-quality blood supply that Ontario relies on. Sincerely, Geoff Cain, Bargaining Team ChairDriver Review Update
As reported in the Sector 19 December Newsletter, the ongoing Driver Review that came out of the last round of bargaining to address the Driver Pay Rate was being referred to Arbitration. The parties were not able to agree on the appropriate wage rate for the position. Hearing dates were held on May 10 and May 27, 2021 with arbitrator Matthew Wilson. Your Union committee put forward strong arguments advocating that the Driver Wage Rate should be increased. We are pleased to report that the arbitrator has issued an Award that provides the Drivers a well-deserved increase.Here is a summary of the award: The Driver wage grid, as of June 1, 2021, will be as follows (this represents a $1.25 increase at each step in the grid): Initial: $23.8800 Year 1: $24.7100 Year 2: $25.5300 Year 3: $26.3500 Year 4: $27.1800 Year 5: $27.9300 Year 6: $28.6900- All Drivers will receive retro payments based on hours paid for the period of June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021 (one year of retro).
- The Union cannot table a Special Case Wage Increase for Drivers in the next round of bargaining. Any bargained General Wage Increase will apply to the Driver Position.
- Any increase in duties and responsibilities of the Drivers has now been appropriately compensated with the new wage rate. The arbitrator has dismissed any grievances filed by the Union alleging improper assignment of duties.