LifeLabs employees in British Columbia have issued a 72-hour strike notice.
Those working at the medical service provider could walk off the job as soon as 11 a.m. on Sunday February 16 if a deal is not reached.
In a statement, LifeLabs explained that the company and the British Columbia General Employees’ Union had entered into negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.
"LifeLabs respects the negotiation process and employees' right to pursue their interests," the company wrote in a press release. "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."
"In the meantime," it added, "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. We will do everything in our power to minimize the disruption this creates for our customers and clients."
In a press release, BCGEU president Paul Finch explained that LifeLabs employees "receive 4-16% below what others in their industry get paid and they are struggling to make ends meet."
"Now that LifeLabs is owned by Quest Diagnostics, a billion-dollar US health giant — we are fighting against an American for-profit model of healthcare and its impacts on workers," he added.
Finch emphasized that "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."
LifeLabs operates dozens of locations across the province, and provides myriad vital services.