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“We’re just looking for decent compensation so we can provide properly for our families. A lot of us are working 2, 3 jobs to keep bread on the table. It’s time LifeLabs shared some of their profits with the people making the company successful.” — Mahmood Alawneh, Bargaining Team Chair at LifeLabs
Toronto (15 March 2022) – Some 150 GTA LifeLabs couriers and mailroom staff represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO/NUPGE) are on strike this morning after negotiations failed to produce a settlement.
Workers want a living wage
“LifeLabs is one of the most profitable enterprises in Canada but won’t pay their staff a living wage,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU/SEFPO President. “Even after the hard work and sacrifices of the pandemic, LifeLabs sees no reason to pay its workers more than a handful of beans.”
Workers with Local 5119 voted to become OPSEU/SEFPO/NUPGE members in 2020 and are seeking a first collective agreement with LifeLabs. Couriers collect samples from offices and deliver them to the laboratory for analysis. Talks have centred on wage and benefits enhancements, sick time, full-time status, mileage and vacation.
“We’re not looking for the moon,” said Mahmood Alawneh, Bargaining Team Chair.
“We’re just looking for decent compensation so we can provide properly for our families. A lot of us are working 2, 3 jobs to keep bread on the table. It’s time LifeLabs shared some of their profits with the people making the company successful.”
Billion dollar corporation, LifeLabs but pays their workers starvation wages
LifeLabs does some $1 billion in sales annually, while couriers and mailroom staff in Toronto are paid an average $35,000 salary.
“We’ve got a real-life David-and-Goliath story here,” observed Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer. “On the one hand, you’ve got a hugely profitable diagnostics giant. On the other, you’ve got a small group of workers trying to get a fair shake. They’re living in the most expensive city in Canada but earning starvation wages.
“LifeLabs should understand that getting rich on the blood and sweat of cheap labour belongs to Victorian England — not 21st-century Canada,” Almeida added. “They need to start sharing the wealth with their employees.”
Thomas was on hand at the picket line at Lifelabs’ head office (100 International Blvd, Toronto). Thomas called on LifeLabs CEO Charles Brown to return to the bargaining table with a meaningful offer.
“The workers aren’t in, Charlie Brown, because you won’t pay them a living wage,” he said. “Being a corporate leader today means a lot more than the fattest possible bottom line. Do the right thing and end this strike.”