BARRIE,
ON, May 16, 2024 /CNW/ - After 13 days on the
picket line and over a year in bargaining, LifeLabs workers in
Local 389 voted to ratify their new collective agreement.
These workers took on a fight against clawbacks to their paid
sick leave in exchange for a wage increase. LifeLabs is a
multimillion-dollar corporation that makes its money because of
these workers – they deserve a fair compensation package that
includes a livable wage increase and paid sick leave.
"This employer tried to wait out LifeLabs workers and pit
part-time and full-time staff against each other – but we showed
them that united, the workers will never be defeated, said
OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick. "They held the line until their
needs were met. The employer may have deep pockets but that's no
match for the collective power of organized workers!"
This majority female workforce includes Labratory Technicians
and Medical Laboratory Assistants who provide the highest quality
of patient care and perform critical medical testing to ensure
timely diagnosis. They walked the picket line at LifeLabs locations
across Simcoe County and stood firm in their demands for a fair
contract despite the employer bringing in scab labour. They forced
the employer to prioritize patient care and workers over
profits.
LifeLabs Local 389 is part of OPSEU/SEFPO Sector 19: Blood
Services and Diagnostics.
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO)