A small group of workers wearing signs that read "Overworked, underpaid" and "Who cares for us?" gathered in front of Saanich’s LifeLabs as they launched a strike for better working conditions.
After issuing 72-hour strike notice on Feb. 16, the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), representing the lab workers, said they are protesting chronic understaffing and seeking wages and benefits that reflect the cost of living, said union president Paul Finch.
With picket lines up from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Royal Oak branch (4480 West Saanich Rd.) was closed to the public on the morning of Feb. 20.
“We're concerned that patient care, as well as the need for our members to have decent working conditions and a fair wage, is being undermined by the interests of increasing the profit margin,” said Finch.
Finch said workers want LifeLabs, now owned by U.S.-based Quest Diagnostics, to prioritize employees and patients over corporate profits.
“LifeLabs was acquired by a for-profit American Fortune 500 company, Quest Diagnostics, in late 2024, and we saw a shift at the table then,” said Finch.
In November, 98 per cent of union members who voted supported strike action, with an 80 per cent turnout.
“We believe Canadians deserve quality health care,” said Finch. “We're not going to allow a for-profit American company to erode both patient care and working conditions.”
LifeLabs, which offers routine lab work for genetic and naturopathic testing, performs over 112 million laboratory tests to help diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent diseases for Canadians, according to their website. The company has 16 laboratories, and over 5,700 professionally trained staff members, working across 382 centres in B.C., Ontario and Saskatchewan.
“LifeLabs respects the negotiation process and employees’ right to pursue their interests,” said the company in a news release. “We would like to continue to negotiate and work with the union to reach an agreement that is mutually acceptable.”
The company said its top priority remains ensuring continuity of care for its B.C. clients.
“We will do everything in our control to minimize the disruption this creates for our customers and clients,” said the statement.
