Since February 16, LifeLabs workers in B.C., represented by the BCGEU, have been on strike for higher wages and better working conditions. The 1,200 employees have been working without a union contract since April 2024 and negotiations have come to a standstill.
LifeLabs employees currently earn up to $8 less per hour than their hospital counterparts, leading to chronic understaffing, forced overtime, and high turnover as workers leave for better-paying jobs. Morning shifts are especially dire, with only two employees managing long lines of clients—yet the company refuses to add staff. It’s no surprise that 98 per cent voted in favour to strike.
A 15-year LifeLabs employee voiced her frustration: “When I first started, LifeLabs was one of the best employers—good wages, good benefits. My pay has barely increased since then.”
In 2024, LifeLabs was sold to U.S.-based company Quest Diagnostics for $1.35 billion. Despite being a Fortune 500 giant that’s more than capable of providing living wages, QD has completely ignored these workers’ demands.
At Hillside Mall, one of LifeLabs’ busiest locations in Victoria, the company hired a security guard to monitor weekly pickets—paying him for a full week despite working only one day. At the time of our comrade’s attendance, he had left for a prolonged coffee break and hadn’t returned for the duration of our visit. The company is happy to throw money into fire if it means not having to pay their workers more.
The prevailing mood on the picket line is one of frustration and anger toward LifeLabs. These workers are standing firm, hoping to expand the number of pickets so they can’t be ignored.
–Addison M., Victoria
