‘We’re not looking for the moon’: LifeLabs couriers, mailroom staff hit the picket lines
Posted March 14, 2022 9:55 pm.
As of early Monday, roughly 150 couriers and mailroom employees at LifeLabs have walked off the job, citing failed negotiations.
In a statement released by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, Local 5119 is obtaining its first collective agreement with the company. The union, which represents staff in the Greater Toronto Area, said that the discussion is focused on improvements in wages and benefits and sick leave, vacations, and full-time opportunities.
“We’re not looking for the moon,” said Bargaining Team Chair Mahmood Alawneh. “We’re just looking for decent compensation so we can provide properly for our families. Many of us are working two-three jobs to keep bread on the table. It’s time LifeLabs shared some of their profits with the people making the company successful.”
According to OPSEU, the average salary for a courier or mailroom employee is $35,000. LifeLab makes roughly $1 billion in annual sales.
“LifeLabs is one of the most profitable enterprises in Canada but won’t pay their staff a living wage,” said OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
“Even after the hard work and sacrifices of the pandemic, LifeLabs sees no reason to pay its workers more than a handful of beans.”
The laboratory service provider, which offers COVID-19 testing for Ontario residents, has since notified the public of potential disruptions to their operations.
“LifeLabs will remain operational throughout any job action,” reads the statement on their website.
“While there may be some disruption to our service levels, our goal is to provide Ontarians with continued access to services. We are taking all possible actions to minimize disruption to patients and health care providers.”
