Unionized LifeLabs B.C. workers begin overtime ban, work-to-rule

Unionized employees at LifeLabs B.C. operations kicked off job motion Saturday, after getting into a authorized strike place Friday night time.

Employees have been set to rally exterior the corporate’s Burnaby Reference Lab, earlier than implementing an additional time ban and a work-to-rule marketing campaign.

Talking on International Information Morning Saturday, BC Common Staff Union president Stephanie Smith stated wages and advantages have been the important thing sticking factors, with LifeLabs’ estimated 1,550 B.C. employees being paid between 4.5 and 13.5 per cent lower than their counterparts within the public system.

“And naturally throughout COVID they’ve been labored to the bone,” she stated.

“They’re on the lookout for a collective settlement that acknowledges their very important contribution to the companies British Columbians depend on.”

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Contract negotiations have been underway because the spring, and Smith stated the union voted 98 per cent in favour of a strike mandate in July. The strike discover got here after 30 days on the bargaining desk and eight days of mediation, in response to the union.

In a Friday assertion, LifeLabs stated it was ready to renew negotiations over the weekend and remained dedicated to reaching a deal.

The corporate added that it has been designated a vital service by the BC Labour Relations Board, and can stay operational all through the job motion.

“We’ve labored with the BCGEU to place a plan in place for the important service ranges that we’ll keep with a view to present very important outpatient laboratory testing for our sufferers,” it stated.

Talking Wednesday, B.C. Well being Minister Adrian Dix stated the job motion would have a restricted impact on COVID-19 testing, which is “principally” completed in provincial labs.

“We’re doing our personal testing program on COVID-19, and that can stay unchanged,” he stated. “We’re assured we’re going to have the ability to present care.”

Smith stated if the 2 sides didn’t attain a deal within the quick time period, the union may start escalating job motion by Nov. 1, which may embrace picket strains at “chosen websites.”