B.C. LifeLabs workers issue 72-hour strike notice

The union representing workers at LifeLabs in B.C. has issued a 72-hour strike notice.

The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), which represents about 1,200 LifeLabs workers in the province, says the move comes after months of negotiations to address wage issues and “poor working conditions” due to understaffing.

“LifeLabs workers receive four to 16 per cent below what others in their industry get paid and they are struggling to make ends meet,” said BCGEU president Paul Finch.

“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.”

In addition, the workers are looking for improvements to health and safety benefits.

The BCGEU says the workers have been working without a contract since April 1, 2024. In November, it voted 98 per cent in favour of strike action.

Workers are holding a one-day strike kickoff rally on Sunday at the LifeLabs Burnaby Reference Lab.

LifeLabs tells 1130 NewsRadio that it respects the negotiations and the “employees’ right to pursue their interests,” but emphasizes its highest priority is to ensure continuity of care for those who rely on its services.

“As a designated essential service, LifeLabs will continue to operate,” it said.

“However, some LifeLabs locations 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. The most up to date information on location closures will be available on our website.”