LifeLabs in B.C. facing possible strike action
The B.C. Government Service Employees' Union, which represents some of LifeLabs' front-line workers, has served strike notice. Job action could begin as early as Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
Job action could begin as early as Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
“It is possible that appointments that were made previously could not be honoured if those sites are behind picket lines,” explained BCGEU president Stephanie Smith on Wednesday
“So there are some non-unionized LifeLabs. Those of course will remain open during the job action. As well, we have negotiated essential service levels with the employer,” she explained.
LifeLabs said it’s doing all it can to minimize disruptions and that job action won’t start until after the weekend.
“Most LifeLabs patient service centres will remain open. However, some patient service centres will be closed on a rotating basis as a result of the job action starting on Monday,” reads a statement from the company.
“Patients with appointments that need to be rescheduled will be notified directly by LifeLabs.”
Health Minister Adrian Dix said his ministry is preparing "to ensure that patients are protected" and is "very hopeful the collective bargaining process will lead to an agreement."
The union said one of the main issues is wages.
“Our members at LifeLabs earn on average between 4.5 per cent to 13.5 per cent less than workers doing exactly the same jobs in hospital labs and we want to see that gap addressed,” said Smith.
LifeLabs patient service centres are already busy and there are concerns job action will only make things worse.
“I know a lot of our patients have been reporting (waiting) multiple weeks to get an appointment at LifeLabs and having to wait hours in line just to get routine blood work done,” said Laura Todd, who works as an administrator in a Victoria-area doctor’s office.
Poor wages and working conditions have "created a staffing crisis at LifeLabs," according to an online post from the union.
"Staffing shortages are so bad that they had to suddenly shut down at least two patient service centres in Greater Victoria," said the BCGEU statement.
LifeLabs is responsible for the majority of outpatient lab work done across B.C.
The BCGEU said it has been engaged in six months of bargaining and several rounds of mediation.
LifeLabs advises patients to visit its website for more details on job action.
The union also said it will post information on which centres are impacted by job action online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.