Unionized workers at Liflabs In British Columbia issued 72 hours strike notice.
The union says that this decision follows months of negotiations with the company, which claims to refuse to increase wages to match the cost of living or to deal with a “lack of chronic staff”.
“Lifelabs workers receive 4 to 16% below what other members in their sector are paid and they find it difficult to reach both ends,” said the general union of British Columbia, Paul Finch, in a press release.
“Now that Lifelabs belongs to Quest Diagnostics, an American dollar American health giant – we are fighting against an American model for lucrative health care and its impacts on workers.”
In an email, a spokesperson for Lifelabs said that the company is committed to concluding a negotiated agreement.
“Our highest priority is to ensure the continuity of care for the inhabitants of British Columbia, which are counting on us for their test needs,” said the company.
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“As an essential designated service, Lifelabs will continue to operate. However, certain Lifelabs locations may be subject to rotary temporary closures. »»
Lifelabs has urged customers to visit its website for updated closing information.
Lifelabs workers voted 98% in favor of strike action in November. They have been without a contract since April 1 of last year.
The British Columbia Ministry of Labor said that in the case of a work stoppage, it would designate specific and essential services “to protect the health, safety and well-being of people in British Columbia”
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