THUNDER BAY – Striking Port Arthur Health Centre workers have overwhelmingly rejected the clinic’s latest contract offer.
On Friday, 94 per cent of the all-female strikers, who have been on the picket line for more than two weeks, voted against the deal, stating it’s nowhere close to what they are seeking in negotiations.
Andy Savela, the director of health care for Unifor Canada, said he’s not surprised by the results and said the workers intend to keep up their resolve until a better deal is offered.
"We think that there are only two options for the employer, either put together a good package that we can ratify or continue with the strike. If they choose that the Port Arthur Health Centre will be a shadow of its former self when this is all over,” Savela told Thunder Bay Television.
Unifor Local 229 president Kari Jefford said she believes the momentum is entirely on the side of striking
"The amount of disrespect is surprising, if you just came to the table and talked about the key issues in job security and wage package of these women they could be back working doing their jobs,” she said.
Savela said he’s hopeful health centre brass got the message loud and clear.
“Hopefully we see a successful result after this.”