Workers at Port Arthur Health Centre vote to strike if necessary: Unifor

January 11, 2018

Thunder Bay - Members of Unifor Local 229 have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, in a
vote conducted by the union last night.

The union represents approximately 65 members who are employees of the Port Arthur Health Centre
who work as medical aides, appointment secretaries and in medical records. Their collective agreement
expired on December 31, 2017.

“The main issues in dispute are related to the lack of permanent positions which has led to
overutilization of casual employees. Our members are concerned about job security,” said Kari Jefford,
President of Unifor Local 229.

The other issue is compensation. “These workers lag far behind in compensation when compared to
those who do the same jobs at both the local and provincial level, but they certainly compare equally in
terms of workload and the skills they utilize in their work,” said Jefford.

The union has applied for conciliation and will be asking for a no board report which is the last step
required to be in a legal strike position.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Kari Jefford cell 807 627 0012