Canadian Blood Services Charlottetown workers to strike Monday

Canadian Blood Services says 11 part-time phlebotomists and support staff in blood collection services will walk off the job in Charlottetown on Labour Day Monday.

The workers are represented by the Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees and are said to be concerned the employer may reduce their hours. Their collective agreement expired in March 2011.

Deb Steele-Kretschmer, spokesperson for Canadian Blood Services, said despite continued negotiations, the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement.

"Despite continued negotiations, Canadian Blood Services and the Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees (NSUPE) have not been able to come to an agreement in Prince Edward Island," saidSteele-Kretschmer

Canadian Blood Services had said if there is a strike on Labour Day, the site will not collect blood or plasma.

"Eleven employees represented by NSUPE Local 19 have chosen to go out on strike beginning Monday, September 7. We are still able to effectively ensure blood products are delivered to hospital patients in Prince Edward Island. We remain committed to reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement with NSUPE Local 19," she said.

In an email to CBC News, Steele-Kretschmer said a strike would not affect the blood supply at P.E.I. hospitals in any way.

"We are still able to effectively ensure blood products are delivered to hospital patients in Prince Edward Island," she said.

Canadian Blood Services will contact any donors with appointments booked during a strike.