About 130 workers, including X-ray and ultrasound technologists, who work for Clear Medical Imaging are on strike.
Members of Unifor Local 2458 went on strike Friday morning after the union and the private company failed to reach a collective agreement, the union says.
“Our members have been left with no choice but to strike to demand fair treatment and respect for the critical role they play in providing imaging services to the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent communities,” Lana Payne, Unifor national president, said in a media release.
“The union remains ready to return to the bargaining table, but the employer must address the core issues impacting our members.”
In Windsor, workers stood outside in the grey morning Friday wearing raincoats and holding signs that said “On strike.”
“A very difficult round of bargaining, to say the least,” says Mike Kisch, vice-president of Unifor 2458 in front of Clear Imaging in Windsor. “Never had one quite like this.” (Chris Ensing/CBC)
“A very difficult round of bargaining, to say the least,” said Mike Kisch, vice-president of Unifor 2458.
“Never had one quite like this.”
Some of the key issues include benefits, wages, working conditions, contracting out work and getting union representation for staff, the union says.
It says it’s also asking for wages to align with regional standards and job security.
The union is also asking for wage parity, so that their pay aligns with regional standards and to ensure job security.
“Health care privatization in Ontario continues to create conditions where profits take precedence over people and workers are left to face the consequences,” said Unifor Local 2458 President Ken Durocher.
“We are prepared to stand firm until a fair deal is reached.”
The union members work at 11 Clear Medical Imaging locations in the Windsor, Chatham, Tecumseh, LaSalle and Essex area.