Non-urgent diagnostic tests in Manitoba will face delays for a two-week period due to a strike by Dynacare lab workers throughout the province. The Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals has reported that 350 laboratory technicians and technologists initiated the strike at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, causing a cessation of activities at all Dynacare facilities in the region.
Picketing began outside various Dynacare locations including those in Winnipeg and other areas at 8 a.m. on Tuesday following the expiration of the workers’ contract on April 1. Contract negotiations broke down last week when the company declined to increase wages on Friday, leading to the current labor action.
According to the union, the striking workers receive significantly lower pay compared to their counterparts in the public system, ranging from 20% to 50% less, while handling heavy workloads. Shayleen Quiring, a Dynacare lab technician, expressed discontent over working under-staffed for lower wages than public sector employees.
As a result of the strike, Shared Health has advised individuals to avoid emergency rooms or urgent care departments for bloodwork unless specifically instructed by their physician. The health authority plans to enhance capacity and operating hours at specific diagnostic service locations gradually and introduce additional appointment and collection spaces. Temporary collection sites may be established if demand remains high.
Impact on Testing
Dr. Chris Christodoulou, interim CEO of Shared Health, stated that efforts are being made to prioritize patients requiring urgent tests such as those for cancer and preoperative surgical procedures. Routine tests from physical exams may experience delays during the strike, with physicians instructed to postpone them for at least two weeks based on patient needs.
Shared Health aims to ensure continued availability of services for individuals with time-sensitive testing requirements, as prolonged disruptions could severely affect service delivery. Dynacare, a subsidiary of Labcorp, acquired Unicity Labs in 2017, becoming the sole private outpatient laboratory service provider in Manitoba, as noted by the union previously.
Labour Minister Malaya Marcelino submitted a request to the Manitoba Labour Board seeking an interim order to compel the 350 striking employees to continue working at Dynacare locations across the province. The board is scheduled to review this request on Tuesday morning.
Jason Linklater, president of the MAHCP, criticized the government for siding with the company over the workers and emphasized the importance of fair compensation. The union’s agreement with Dynacare allows for work stoppage during strikes as patients can seek testing at Shared Health labs. The purpose of the strike is to exert pressure on Dynacare to negotiate a favorable agreement and ensure fair compensation for its employees.
Previously, union members voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action, with a 99.7% approval rate and an 87% voter turnout recorded last month.
