Clear Medical Imaging strike ends with company, union agreeing to arbitration

The eight-week long strike at Clear Medical Imaging is ending after the union and company agreed to binding arbitration. 

About 120 striking members will return to work starting on Dec. 30, with a full return on Jan. 2, 2025, Unifor said in an announcement Friday afternoon. The parties will meet with the arbitrator in the spring. 

"While we would have preferred to obtain a negotiated agreement, it became clear that arbitration was a necessary step to obtain a first collective agreement for these workers," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

"We are confident in our case and look forward to delivering the gains that these members went on strike to achieve."

Clear Medical Imaging CEO Mike Reinkober said in a statement to CBC Windsor that the company looks forward to welcoming their employees and patients back.

"We want to express our gratitude for the community's patience during the strike," he said. "Updates on return to service will be posted on the website as they become available.

"This resolution, achieved through first contract arbitration, reflects our commitment to ensuring access to critical diagnostic imaging services and fostering a collaborative workplace."

The decision to move to arbitration comes after the union and employer failed to reach an agreement despite working with a provincial conciliation officer for more than three months, the union says.

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Unifor represented employees at Clear Medical Imaging are on strike at locations in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent after negotiations for a collective agreement broke off. The CBC's Chris Ensing reports.

Unifor Local 2458 members also rejected an offer, through a final offer vote initiated by the company through the Ontario Labour Relations Board, by 96 per cent. 

"Our members stood together these past two months and remained steadfast in their determination not to settle for less than they deserve," said Unifor Local 2458 President Ken Durocher. 

"I want to express my thanks to the members for their solidarity and to the bargaining committee for persevering during these negotiations," Durocher said.

The strike started Oct. 25 and includes positions such as X-ray and ultrasound technologists, as well as clerical and administrative staff. 

Unifor Local 2458 members work across 11 Ontario locations within Windsor, Chatham, Tecumseh, LaSalle and Essex.

Some of the key issues the union was asking for included benefits, wages, working conditions and wage parity, so that their pay aligns with regional standards and to ensure job security.

In a November statement, Reinkober said the company had met with the bargaining unit representing workers multiple times. 

"Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to reach an agreement with the union's bargaining committee," he wrote at the time. 

With an arbitration agreement in place, the company and union will meet with the agreed-upon arbitrator in March 2025 to resolve outstanding issues.