350 Dynacare workers strike in Manitoba due to ‘huge’ wage gap: union president

On Tuesday, approximately 350 Dynacare workers in Manitoba walked off the job in a strike, according to their union president, Jason Linklater. The action occurred after negotiations between Dynacare and the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP) broke down. Linklater stated that the striking workers, who were primarily technologists and technicians, were present at the picket lines by 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

The MAHCP news release indicated that the primary reason for the strike was the significant wage gap, ranging from 20-50%, between Dynacare's workers and public sector lab employees. Linklater expressed his disappointment at the lack of pressure from Dynacare during the contract talks, stating that the company seemed prepared to rely on government intervention, as it had done in the past. He emphasized that Dynacare, being a private corporation, was not fulfilling its responsibility to address the wage gap.

In response to the strike, Dynacare expressed its willingness to resolve the situation but remained hopeful for a mutually beneficial agreement. The company's spokesperson noted that Dynacare is committed to finding a fair and sustainable resolution and that their current wage offer remains on the table. However, patients requiring laboratory services were advised to contact their healthcare provider to explore alternative options, as stated in a Dynacare spokesperson's email statement.