The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is warning patients of longer-than-normal delays for diagnostic imaging as a strike at a local company stretches on.&nbsp;

The diagnostic imaging department at the health alliance has expanded hours for X-rays walk-in patients to help with longer wait times due to an "external labour disruption."

Tensions grow for patients of private Windsor, Ont., imaging clinic as strike rolls on

Penny Edwards says she was upset and cried the moment she found out her mammogram was postponed because of a strike at Clear Medical Imaging. After her initial appointment on Oct. 23 was pushed back because of an equipment issue at the clinic, the Essex, Ont., woman says it was rescheduled to Oct. 28 — then the strike ensued.

A group of people wearing red rain coats with the Unifor logo stand on the sidewalk in drizzling rain on a grey morning

About 130 employees of Clear Medical Imaging are on strike. The company represents X-ray and ultrasound technologists, clerical and administrative staff across 11 locations within Windsor, Chatham, Tecumseh, LaSalle and Essex.  

Clear Medical Imaging

Talks break down between Clear Medical Imaging and union representing striking workers

Lana Payne, Unifor's national president says referred to the walk as "abrupt", adding that workers will not be returning until there's a deal.

Clear Medical Imaging unionized staff have been on strike in Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex since. Oct. 25, 2024.

Clear Medical Imaging unionized staff have been on strike in Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex since Oct. 25, 2024.

At the Chatham site, the imaging department will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, while in Wallaceburg imaging will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday.&nbsp;

Patients requiring an ultrasound must fax their requisition to the patient appointment office at 519-437-6040, and appointments will be triaged accordingly.

Workers at Clear Medical Imaging in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent have been on strike since Oct.&nbsp;25. Talks between the company and Unifor, which represents the&nbsp;workers, resumed and then broke down last week. Unifor says outstanding issues include wages, benefits, overtime and opposition to outsourcing.&nbsp;

Unifor confirmed Friday workers remain on strike.&nbsp;

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance has expanded hours for X-rays walk-in patients to help with longer wait times due to an "external labour disruption."

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance extends imaging hours amid delays caused by strike

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