LifeLabs workers, who are members of the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), have issued a 72-hour strike notice to their employer after months of failed negotiations.
The BCGEU is trying to bring LifeLabs workers wages and benefits in line with the current cost of living, improve general work conditions for employees and address staffing shortages.
LifeLabs workers voted 98% in favour of a strike action back in November and have been working without a contract since April 1st of last year.
“LifeLabs workers receive 4-16% below what others in their industry get paid and they are struggling to make ends meet,” said Paul Finch, BCGEU President.
“Now that LifeLabs is owned by Quest Diagnostics, a billion-dollar U.S. health giant – we are fighting against an American for-profit model of healthcare and its impacts on workers.”
Quest Diagnostics acquired LifeLabs in August, 2024 for around $1.35 billion CAD.
The union says that those doing the same work, but working in the public sector are making more than LifeLabs workers, have better benefits, experience less understaffing and have lower workloads as a result.
“Workers want the employer to come back to the table with an offer that is less focused on their corporate profit margins, and more respectful both of workers, and the thousands of us across BC that depend on LifeLabs’ services,” said Finch.
LifeLabs workers are planning on kicking off the strike on Sunday, February 16th, if their employer refuses their demands.
According to LifeLabs, they are willing to continue talks with their workers and their union.
“We would like to continue to negotiate and work with the union to reach an agreement that is mutually acceptable and reflects the value our employees bring to their roles each day,” said LifeLabs in a media statement.
“In the meantime, our highest priority is to ensure continuity of care for the people of British Columbia, who rely on us for their testing needs. As a designated essential service, LifeLabs will continue to operate, however some Patient Services Centres may be subject to rotating temporary closures.”
During the strike action, clients can find information on open LifeLabs locations and their hours via their website.
