(Thunder Bay) Striking employees of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit say they can clearly demonstrate that the Board of Health has got the money to settle this strike quickly.
Members of CUPE Local 1759, who began job action on February 23, say their demand for the same wages as their counterparts in other Northern Ontario health units could be easily handled by the employer.
CUPE says, its not like they dont have the money. The Board of Health has:
- In the past three years, spent over $700,000 in twice renovating and refurbishing the health unit. They now claim they cant afford to spend $57,000 to give employees a fair wage
- Saved over $180,000.00 in the same period on pension plan payments
- Spent over $250,000.00 on new computers and fax machines
The union says the Thunder Bay District Health Unit seems to have money to spend on everything but their staff.
The 40 unionized employees of the Board of Health are Health Inspectors, RPNs (Registered Practical Nurses), Dental Hygienists, Clerical Staff and Computer Technicians.
The employees have been working without a contract since December, 1999.
For information:
Jules Tupker, CUPE National Rep.
(807) 345-1731 (o)
Vince Chiodo, President, Local 1759
(807) 344-1921 (h)
John McCracken, CUPE Communications Rep.
(416) 292-3999 (o)