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Weekend mediation with LifeLabs unsuccessful, workers strike

LifeLabs announced its intention to purchase BC Biomedical Labs, costing hundreds of millions of dollars yet continues to demand concessions from employees.

Vancouver (21 Jan. 2013) — Job action at Lifelabs’ Patient Service Centres will begin province-wide today, January 21 on a rotating basis.

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) served 72 hours strike notice late last week to be in a legal strike position as of 6 a.m. PST.

Members have not taken the decision to strike lightly. The move comes following the failure of day long mediated talks at the Labour Relations Board on January 19. The main issues are wages and the employer’s demand that our members accept concessions.

BCGEU/NUPGE members at LifeLabs play a key role in the health care delivery system in B.C. and deserve a fair and reasonable agreement. Last week, LifeLabs announced its intention to purchase BC Biomedical Laboratories, at a cost expected to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Affected members are encouraged to check the union and its website for specific picket locations and further instructions.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE