Rotating strikes continue a month after LifeLabs strike action issued in B.C.

Thursday marks one month since workers at LifeLabs issued a 72-hour strike notice, and a new collective bargaining agreement has yet to be signed.

The BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), which represents about 1,200 LifeLabs workers, says they’re fighting for better wages and improved working conditions.

“American-owned LifeLabs receives $300 million a year in taxpayer dollars – workers will continue to fight for the fair wages and high-quality lab services this money should be spent on,” said BCGEU President Paul Finch in a statement to 1130 NewsRadio.

“As our recent poll also shows, people in British Columbia oppose U.S. ownership of LifeLabs and every day that this strike drags on, they’re asking why our public health dollars are going to an American corporation.”

This means rotating strikes around British Columbia will continue until a new deal is reached.

LifeLabs tells 1130 NewsRadio it’s trying to minimize the disruption on clients.

“LifeLabs respects the negotiation process and employees’ right to pursue their interests. We would like to continue to negotiate and work with the union to reach an agreement that is mutually acceptable and reflects the value our employees bring to their roles each day,” it said.

“Our highest priority is to ensure continuity of care for the people of British Columbia, who rely on us for their testing needs. As a designated essential service, LifeLabs will continue to operate, however, some Patient Services Centres are subject to rotating temporary closures.”

The union says workers have been without a contract since April 2024.

LifeLabs, which was bought by the American company Quest Diagnostics last year, says it serves more than seven million patients province-wide at lab locations in both urban and rural communities.