Local 42 – Canadian Blood Services Operations & Support Bargaining Update

Your bargaining committee met with the employer again to continue negotiations on October 15^th and 16^th, at which time the employer presented a package that still does not address the significant issues of job security through secured FTE positions. Your bargaining committee is standing firm on this issue for you, and with you. 
 
When the parties separated on October 16^th, your bargaining committee advised the employer that we are ready to meet again as early as November 17^th, and offered them multiple dates in December and January, as well.  

Finally on October 26^th, the employer advised that the next dates they can meet are not until February 3^rd & 4^th, 2027. We have booked those dates to continue negotiations – but your committee remains ready and holding the dates provided for December and January in case the employer can find the time to prioritize your negotiations.

Over the course of negotiations thus far, the union and your bargaining committee have worked diligently to clarify contract language and find common ground, while the employer continues to offer limited concessions, claw back proposals, and fall short of meaningfully addressing members’ concerns. Despite repeatedly claiming to “hear us,” CBS’s actions suggest otherwise. Its bargaining tactics and proposals can give the impression of prioritizing certain classifications while expecting members to accept less than they deserve. 

 Members have made it clear that job security and predictability of schedules and FTEs are priorities. Yet the employer expects flexibility from employees while maintaining rigid expectations of commitment from part-time staff. Members welcome hours and want to work, but rising costs, unpredictable schedules, and the need to balance multiple jobs and personal responsibilities make stability essential. 
Your Bargaining Committee has grown increasingly frustrated with the employer’s approach to negotiations. While CBS management frequently emphasizes the need for “operational flexibility,” it has shown little willingness to demonstrate that same flexibility at the bargaining table. 

The employer’s approach suggests that productivity and operational demands take precedence over work-life balance. Its willingness to leave contract language vague also creates uncertainty and allows for interpretations that may suit its interests. 
Our members deserve meaningful proposals, clear and enforceable language, and tangible improvements that reflect the concerns they have repeatedly raised. Saying employees are being heard is not enough; the employer must demonstrate it through action.

Please keep an eye out for further updates and opportunities to connect in the next few weeks
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Bargaining Committee:  

Brandon Bouchard – lemonjaguar@gmail.com 
Shannon Fuller – sfuller370@gmail.com 
Narendra Karani – njkarani@gmail.com 
Andreia Rezende (alternate) – Andreia.rezende@me.com 

Grace McCreight, Lead Negotiator - gmccreight@nsgeu.ca 
Natalie Hillier – Servicing LRO – nhillier@nsgeu.ca