Tensions continue to mount at the Port Arthur Health Clinic today.
Fencing is up and entrances are blocked.
Over 200 Unifor members surrounded all entrances and streets around the clinic this morning starting their pickets at 7 this morning.
Local spokesperson Kari Jefford tells us it will be very difficult for patients to get in to see their doctors over the next few days and she suggests they visit walk in clinics.
She notes they have no other way left to communicate with the doctors and this line will be shut down until we get back to the bargaining table. So this is the beginning of that process and hopefully the beginning of the end.
Picketer Wendy Nieminen tells us she has been an appointment secretary for 29 years.
She apologizes to patients but notes they need to get their message through to their employer.
“The red carpet is gone. 18 weeks we’ve just let people come in, they get to see their doctor, they might get held up a little bit on the way out as we talk to them. Other than that it’s been clear sailing and now it’s time to take a stand.”
We’ve reached out to the management of the Port Arthur Health Centre for comment. (Photo and video by Sheri Leviski-Kotyk)
