LifeLabs workers strike for better pay, sick leave in Simcoe County
Around 120 LifeLabs workers from across Simcoe County are taking strike action after negotiations for a new contract broke down this week.
Both parties had been at the bargaining table for over a year but were unable to reach an agreement before the 12:01 a.m. deadline on Thursday.
"We are out because we need to make sure that we are equal," said Renee Aiken Kearsley, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 389 President. "All we're asking Charles Brown (LifeLabs CEO), is to be equal with the non-unionized employees."
Unionized LifeLabs workers in Simcoe County claim they are being underpaid in comparison to workers at other locations across the province, making as much as $5.50 less per hour to start.
"The employer is making a clear choice to prioritize profits over workers and patient care," Aiken Kearsley said.
CTV News reached out to LifeLabs for an interview but was provided a statement instead.
"LifeLabs is committed to open, constructive, and respectful negotiations with OPSEU Local 389 to reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement," it read. "We respect the negotiation process and the rights of our employees to pursue their interests. We remain open to further discussions and will continue to work diligently with OPSEU to find a resolution that is fair and aligned with the values of our organization."
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
A dozen locations in Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood and Wasaga Beach are impacted by the strike.
The employer said some are closed due to job action, but that "most LifeLabs Patient Service Centres" would remain open.
According to the union, "scab workers" have been brought in to take up the duties of striking members.
"I believe we are very close to getting a deal," said Greg Mcveigh, a negotiator for the union. "Unfortunately, the employer is still trying to get concessions out of our members."
Mcveigh said LifeLabs wants to scale back sick leave for unionized members in particular.
"We have high incidents of cancer in this workplace, 10 per cent of our members have cancer," Mcveigh added. "This industry itself has high cancer because of the chemicals and swabs, things like that that they use. "It's pretty tough to go to workers and ask them to give a concession on your sick plan when 10 per cent of the work force has cancer."
Workers will remain on the picket lines daily until a tentative deal can be reached.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
BREAKING Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
Person charged in random assault on actor Steve Buscemi in New York
A person wanted in connection with the random assault on actor Steve Buscemi on a New York City street earlier this month was taken into custody Friday, police said.