Striking P.E.I. Canadian Blood Services employees hold support rally

Striking Canadian Blood Services workers in Charlottetown held a rally Saturday to remind people they are still on the picket line.

The eight part-time phlebotomists and support staff have been on strike for five months. There have been no blood donorclinics on P.E.I. during that time.

"It's been a long five months for sure. I never thought it would last this long. But it's, it's definitely been a struggle," said Leanne Voutour, who has worked for blood service for eight years.

The employees are represented by the Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees and have been without a contract since March 2011.

About 40 supporters, including family and friendsjoined the striking workers at the rally held at Province House.

Tanya Herrell, president of NSUPE Local 19, said the striking part-time employees want a guaranteed minimum number of hours per week.

"Right now there's nothing to stop them from reducing our hours to whatever they see fit," said Herrell.

The striking employees are asking for three people to work at 30 hours per week, one person at 22 hours per week and four others to work at least 18.75 hours per week so they can keep their benefits.

Health PEI says the strike has had no impact on hospitals or Islanders who need blood because blood is distributed to P.E.I. hospitals from Nova Scotia.

In a statement fromPeter MacDonald, CanadianBlood Servicesdonor relations director for the Atlantic region, he said no further negotiations are planned but the organization remains committed to reaching a mutually satisfactory outcome.