Strike Deadline Looms For Clear Medical Imaging Workers

Unifor Local 2458 members at Clear Medical Imaging are preparing for a potential strike with a deadline of 11:59pm on October 24th, 2024.

Unifor represents 130 members who work as x-ray and ultrasound technologists and clerical and administrative staff across 11 locations within Windsor, Chatham, Tecumseh, LaSalle and Essex. Members recently held a strike vote, with 99% voting in favour of taking action if needed.

Key issues in negotiations include benefits, wages, working conditions, contracting out/work ownership and securing union representation for staff. Clear Medical Imaging, which operates the only imaging services in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions, has faced significant staffing shortages in recent months, leading to growing waitlists for services like imaging and scanning.

“Our members are the backbone of Clear Medical Imaging within the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent communities, and they deserve a fair agreement that recognizes their dedication and value to the community,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We remain committed to reaching a deal that allows these workers to continue providing the care Windsor residents rely on, but it must be a fair and equitable agreement.”

The union is actively engaging key community stakeholders, including local hospitals, healthcare practitioners, municipal governments and labour councils, to discuss the broader implications of a strike and potential impact on health services in the region. Over 900 patients are currently on the waitlist for critical imaging services in Windsor, with staffing shortages already affecting care delivery.

“The ongoing issues at Clear Medical Imaging highlight the dangerous consequences of healthcare privatization in Ontario,” said Unifor Local 2458 President Ken Durocher. “When profit becomes the priority, patient care suffers, and workers face increased pressure under poor working conditions. We need to ensure that quality public healthcare and fair treatment for workers are prioritized in our community.”