(CHARLOTTETOWN) – Canadian Blood Services has reached an agreement with the Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees (NSUPE), involving its support employees in Prince Edward Island. These members of NSUPE Local 19 voted on Aug. 22 to ratify a new collective agreement. The Nova Scotia Union of Public Employees represents employees in the province of Prince Edward Island, including phlebotomists and support workers. “The agreement demonstrates Canadian Blood Services’ commitment to the collective bargaining process and to the reliability and safety of Canada’s blood system,” said Peter

Despite continued negotiations, Canadian Blood Services and the Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees (NSUPE) have not been able to come to an agreement in Prince Edward Island. As of September 7, 11 employees represented by NSUPE Local 19 have chosen to go on strike. We are disappointed that we have not reached an agreement but are hopeful the situation will be resolved soon. The strike involves local clinic support and recruitment employees at Canadian Blood Services’ permanent blood donor clinic in PEI. While we are committed to reaching an agreement, as responsible stewards of

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