UPDATE: Possible labour disruption at Canadian Blood Services

Canadian Blood Services has been in discussions with Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing our support employees in Ontario, to reach an agreement. On January 7th 2015, both parties have agreed to continue negotiations until January 8th (6am) in the hope of preventing a labour disruption. Please check back for on-going updates.

Canadian Blood Services is facing a potential labour disruption in Ontario. For now, it is business as usual. The collection, processing, testing and distribution of blood and blood products are ongoing. All donors are asked to please keep their scheduled appointments. We look forward to welcoming them in our clinics over the holiday season.

Canadian Blood Services has confirmed that one of its largest bargaining units, OPSEU-Support, will be in a strike position on Jan. 8. This does not mean a labour disruption will occur on this date. We are hopeful that we will be able to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement before this date.

While we are committed to reaching an agreement, as responsible stewards of Canada’s blood system, we have built contingency plans to continue to meet the needs of Canadian patients. However, should a labour disruption occur, all operations in the province of Ontario would be severely compromised, which could put Canadian patients at risk.

Please check back here for updates.