Workers at Clear Medical Imaging secure 1st collective agreement after arbitration
Unionized workers at Clear Medical imaging have secured their first-ever collective agreement following an arbitrator's decision last week and a lengthy strike last fall.
In the decision released Thursday, arbitrator Jesse Kugler granted a wage increase of four per cent effective May 29 of this year, followed by three percent in 2026 and 2.5 per cent in 2027.
The agreement also includes clauses on sick and vacation time, shift hours, breaks, and benefits.
"As this is a first collective agreement, the terms of this award also appropriately reflect the principle of gradualism," the decision reads. "Finally, I have given due regard to the labour relations context in which this dispute arose, including the parties' history of collective bargaining and the lengthy strike that ensued."
The employer had submitted that over the three years of the agreement, wage increases should be applied in tiers — nine per cent for technical classifications and eight per cent for clerical ones. Unifor Local 2458, the workers' union, had proposed 10 per cent across the board.
At issue were the comparators — other similar workplaces — both the employer and union put forward to justify their proposals. The union argued that local hospitals and their wages should be considered given that they recruit from a similar pool of employees, while the employer argued that similar companies in the geographic area should be considered.
Ultimately, the arbitrator found issues with both comparators.
Neither the union nor the company returned a request for comment Tuesday.
Workers returned to the job in early January after striking for much of the fall and arbitration began in the spring.
At the time, Unifor national president Lana Payne said the union would have preferred to negotiate the agreement.
"[It] became clear that arbitration was a necessary step to obtain a first collective agreement for these workers," Payne said.
Clear Medical Imaging CEO Michael Reinkober said at the time that the company was eager to welcome workers and patients back to its facilities.
"This resolution, achieved through first contract arbitration, reflects our commitment to ensuring access to critical diagnostic imaging services and fostering a collaborative workplace," he said at the time.
The company had previously triggered what's known as a final offer vote through the Ontario Labour Relations Board. In that process, the company's offer was rejected by 96 per cent of the 118 members who voted.
The strike first began on October 25. Unifor represents about 120 workers at 11 Clear Medical Imaging locations in Windsor-Essex and Chatham.
The agreement will be in force from May 29, 2025, to May 29, 2028.
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