by Greg Layson
Striking workers represented by Unifor at Clear Medical Imaging facilities in Windsor and Essex County have rejected the company's most recent offer.
The union says 96 percent of the members from Local 2458 voted against the employer’s forced offer.
Clear Medical Imaging had asked the Ontario Ministry of Labour to hold a final-offer vote. The approximately 120 X-ray and ultrasound technologists, as well clerical and administrative staff, who work at the company’s 11 locations in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, overwhelmingly disagreed with the terms in a vote held December 4 and 5.
“Members remain united on strike, fighting for fair wages and equitable treatment,” the local said in a statement.
The union had previously accused the company of trying to divide and conquer its members by offering some classes of jobs better terms than others.
“This vote sends a strong message that our members will not be divided or intimidated,” Unifor National President, Lana Payne, said in a statement. “The employer’s decision to pit workers against each other instead of addressing their legitimate concerns has only reinforced their solidarity.”
The strike that began on October 25 continues as workers seek a solution to what they call “wage disparities and the inequitable treatment of administrative and clinical staff.”
“This decisive rejection is proof that our members stand together to fight for fairness and equity,” Unifor Local 2458 President Ken Durocher said. “Unifor remains ready to bargain and is committed to securing a collective agreement that respects the contributions of all workers.”
The union will now send their final offer to the employer to continue bargaining.
“We are hopeful the strike will end quickly, and once over, we will work quickly to reschedule all appointments,” Clear Medical Imaging noted in a statement on its website.
Durocher estimates there is a backlog of more than 900 X-ray and ultrasound appointments.