Dynacare medical lab workers strike in Manitoba over wages

Approximately 350 laboratory technicians and technologists employed by Dynacare have gone on strike across Manitoba, affecting locations in Winnipeg, Brandon, Winkler, and Steinbach. The strike follows stalled contract negotiations, as the workers' collective agreement expired on March 31.

The Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP) states that the dispute centers on wages, claiming Dynacare employees earn between 20 and 50 per cent less than counterparts in the public health system. The union is seeking wage parity with public sector workers.

In response to the work stoppage, Shared Health, the provincial health provider, has announced it will extend hours and capacity to mitigate the impact on diagnostic testing. Meanwhile, the provincial government is seeking to have the Manitoba Labour Board designate Dynacare’s laboratory services as essential to prevent a catastrophic halt to the healthcare system and potentially order the employees back to work.