Dozens of Canadian Blood Services workers demonstrated outside the CBS Brampton Collection and Processing site in Brampton on May 24th this week to demand respect, better wages and an end to the privatization of blood plasma collection.
The rally also drew support from Ontario Health Coalition’s Brampton chapter, labour council retirees, and other OPSEU/SEFPO locals.
Speakers included Geoff Cain, Chair of OPSEU/SEFPO’s Canadian Blood Services and Diagnostics Division, Alberto Alvaro, president of Local 200, OPSEU/SEFPO Regional Vice-Presidents Lucy Morton and Sara Labelle, along with regional and local leaders.
The rally received media coverage including this report by Humber News: Canadian Blood Services workers rallying for new contract ‘want respect’
Workers at the location have been left feeling unappreciated and disrespected after the employer refused to renew a critical staffing clause in their Collective Agreement.
This clause ensures that all full-time permanent positions vacated by retired or departing staff will be promptly filled.
Supporters of the No Paid Plasma campaign can join the growing number of Canadians – including Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Health Critic France Gélinas – telling health ministers and key executives at Canadian Blood Services that Canadian veins are not for sale by visiting https://opseu.org/stopforprofitplasma/ and signing the open letter.
