Hundreds of Dynacare employees are being directed to return to work following an order from the Manitoba Labour Board, according to their union. The Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals revealed that the workers must resume their duties starting Wednesday, following the labor board’s ruling on the same day when lab technicians and technologists at Dynacare initiated a strike.
In a statement, union president Jason Linklater criticized the Manitoba government for supporting a private American-owned company that he claims is exploiting healthcare workers instead of backing the underpaid employees. Linklater expressed disappointment in the government’s decision, describing it as a significant breach of trust. Despite exploring options to address what he perceives as government interference, Linklater stated that the union will comply with the interim order.
The province raised concerns about the potential “catastrophic consequences” for Manitobans due to the strike by Dynacare lab workers. The government filed an application with the Manitoba Labour Board seeking to halt the strike and ensure the continuation of essential services. During a hearing, legal representatives debated whether the striking lab workers, represented by the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals, should be allowed to prolong their work stoppage.
Keith LaBossiere, counsel for the labor minister, argued that the strike could lead to significant delays in critical diagnostic testing services, affecting thousands of patients. LaBossiere highlighted the essential role played by Dynacare workers in conducting a substantial portion of lab tests in Manitoba, including blood drawing and microscopic examinations. The company projects a significant backlog of patients without the essential services designation, potentially impacting healthcare access and patient safety.
The union questioned the timing of the government’s intervention, arguing that the circumstances had not significantly changed since an agreement was reached in March that deemed an essential services agreement unnecessary. Union lawyer Jake Giesbrecht criticized the government’s delayed response to the situation, questioning the urgency of the minister’s actions. Giesbrecht contended that the decision to halt the strike was unwarranted and urged for a fair assessment of whether Dynacare workers truly provide an essential service.
The Manitoba Labour Board is expected to issue a decision by the end of the day following the hearing.
