THUNDER BAY -- Striking Port Arthur Health Centre workers hosted what union leaders called a solidarity rally to bring up the spirits of the 65 employees.
Members of Unifor Local 229 went on strike one month ago citing wages as the key issue.
Unifor Local 229 president Kari Jefford said the national union reached out to the senior mediator for the Ontario Labour Relations Board early Thursday, and are hoping to hear back from the employer as early as Friday.
Thursday’s rally is an attempt to boost morale.
“We just want to let folks know we’re still out here and we’re trying to get the employer to come to the table,” Jefford said.
On April 27, the union overwhelmingly rejected an offer made by the health centre.
They say they are disappointed that they haven’t received an offer since.
“It’s really disheartening they haven’t come back to the table,” said unit chair Lori Salmy. “We’re all wondering why they won’t respect us.”
The union represents 65 clinic staff who work as appointment secretaries, medical aides and in medical records.
Their last collective agreement expired December 31, 2017, and the workers have officially been on strike since April 9.
