Green Shield is reassuring its customers that online services are still available after 580 workers at its Windsor office went on strike.
The strike, a first at Green Shield, started after talks between Unifor Local 240 and the company broke off at 12:01 a.m. on Friday.
The union said 580 workers are on the picket line seeking a commitment from Green Shield that it won't contract out jobs in I.T., the call centre, claims adjudication, and accounting.
Green Shield has temporarily redeployed workers in other departments to cover those positions until the two sides reach an agreement.
"These staff have received training to support these roles," it said in a statement. "We acknowledge that the decision by Unifor-represented employees to strike may influence our ability to meet our high service standards."
Customers can still access the company's online services.
Unifor Local 240 president Jodi Nesbitt expressed surprise that talks failed.
"I was hopeful with the history here in Windsor and with our union that it wouldn't come to this," she said. "Especially that we are stuck on a commitment for job security."
Green Shield also expressed regret.
"We value our employees and the important role they play in helping further our mission of enabling better health for all," it said. "We bring a strong track record of successfully negotiating collective agreements with Unifor. Our goal this year is to achieve the same."
So far, no new meetings are planned between the two sides, although they say they're open to continuing negotiations.
Talks started in mid-January on the latest contract, although the union opened a conversation with the company before that on the issue of contracting out work.
