Media Advisory: LifeLabs workers in Barrie rally before potential strike: quality patient care before profits!

BARRIE, ON, April 17, 2024 /CNW/ - LifeLabs workers from Orillia, Barrie, Collingwood, and Wasaga Beach will rally with community members and allies ahead of their imminent strike deadline. They stand firm in their demands for a fair contract that puts patients and workers before profits.

What: Rally with health care workers at LifeLabs
When: Saturday, April 20 from 12-1 PM
Where: LifeLabs Medical Laboratory at 121 Wellington St. W., Barrie, ON
Who: Speakers listed below.

The members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 389 include Laboratory Technicians and Medical Laboratory Assistants who perform critical medical testing. Their work ensures timely diagnosis and the highest quality of patient care. But after nearly a year of bargaining, the employer refuses to offer them wage parity with workers at other LifeLabs locations - disrupting access to laboratory services and creating barriers for patients by forcing them to travel further. LifeLabs, and its CEO Charlie Brown, are putting profits over patient care.

Starting wages at these LifeLabs' locations are $5.50/hour less than other locations, and the employer's most recent offer doesn't come close to rectifying that wage disparity. They have a massive retention and recruitment crisis due to low wages, and workers often go elsewhere for higher, livable wages. This has an impact on the quality of services, wait times and puts more pressure on remaining staff.

These health care workers are fighting for fair treatment and a Collective Agreement that empowers them to provide quality care to their patients. They are now facing a strike deadline of May 2 at 12:01 a.m.

Media Availability:
Renee Aiken Kearsley, Local 389 President, 705-828-2087
Sara Labelle, OPSEU/SEFPO Region 3 Vice-President and Chair of Hospital Professionals Division
Kelly Martin, Region 3 Executive Board Member-Elect
Natalie Mehra, Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO)

Simran Ghuman, OPSEU/SEFPO Communications, 647-564-7621