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)