After 13 days on the picket line and over a year in bargaining, LifeLabs workers in OPSEU Local 389 voted to ratify their new collective agreement, according to a press release issued by the union.
“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. They walked the picket line at LifeLabs locations across Simcoe County in Ontario 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,” OPSEU said.
LifeLabs said it was “pleased” to announce the three-year agreement had been ratified.
“We thank OPSEU Local 389 for their partnership in reaching this deal and appreciate our customers and clients for their patience during this time,” the company said.
