Over 1,500 medical lab technologists, lab assistants, and other LifeLabs workers who are represented by the BC General Employees Union have served a 72-hour strike notice on their employer.

This follows a July vote where 98 per cent of the LifeLabs unionized employees supported going on strike, amid a pay and benefit disparity.

BCGEU president Stephanie Smith says LifeLabs workers are paid on average 4.5 to 13.5 per cent less than their counterparts doing the same jobs in hospitals, which she says is contributing to staff shortages.

“Why would you continue to work for a private, for-profit company that wants to pay you less, doesn’t want to see you in a targeted benefit pension plan when you can work in a public healthcare system where you are compensated equal to the contribution you are providing?” she said on the NL Noon Report.

A statement on the LifeLabs website says it is designated as an essential service and it expects its labs will operate as normal. However, it is urging patients to check for possible rotating office closures as of Monday, Oct. 25.

“As an essential service, LifeLabs will remain operational throughout any BCGEU job action,” the statement said. “While there may be some disruption to our service levels, our goal is to provide British Columbians with continued access to services.

“We are taking all possible action to minimize disruption to patients and health care providers.”

The impact to patients, if any, are not yet known. LifeLabs plays a major role in the B.C. healthcare system including performing and processing COVID tests.

“This was not an easy decision. We’ve been in negotiations with LifeLabs since April,” Smith added, saying these employees will be in a legal position to strike as of 7 p.m. this Friday. “Poor wages and working conditions have created a staffing crisis at LifeLabs, forcing them to shut down facilities on Vancouver Island.”

“This is an employer that in the middle of a pandemic, came to the bargaining table looking to reduce sick time and vacation time for their workers.”

LifeLabs workers in B.C. have been without a contract since April 1.