Workers at Clear Medical Imaging have rejected their employer’s latest contract proposal, according to a statement from Unifor. The union said 96 per cent of its members voted to turn down the offer, which was presented in a forced vote on Dec. 4 and 5.
“This vote sends a strong message that our members will not be divided or intimidated,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The employer’s decision to pit workers against each other instead of addressing their legitimate concerns has only reinforced their solidarity,” said Payne.
Employees represented by Unifor Local 2458 have been on strike since Oct. 25. The union said the dispute centres on wage disparities and what it characterized as inequitable treatment of administrative and clinical staff. Unifor said Clear Medical Imaging left talks in early November, prompting the union to pursue a forced vote through the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Workers have remained on strike since, with no agreement yet reached.
“This decisive rejection is proof that our members stand together to fight for fairness and equity,” said Unifor Local 2458 President Ken Durocher. “Unifor remains ready to bargain and is committed to securing a collective agreement that respects the contributions of all workers,” said Durocher.
The union said it will now send its final offer to the employer in an effort to resume bargaining and secure a first agreement that it described as fair and equitable.
Unifor Local 2458 represents 120 x-ray, ultrasound and nuclear medicine technologists, along with clerical and administrative staff, across 11 Clear Medical Imaging locations in Windsor, Chatham, Tecumseh, LaSalle and Essex.