Dynacare workers provide essential services that must be maintained during strike, labour board rules

The Manitoba Labour Board has declared Dynacare employees as essential workers, stating their services must continue during a labour dispute. Dynacare, a private company with 350 lab technicians and technologists, went on strike on September 8, 2023, in Winnipeg, Brandon, and other communities. The dispute revolves around a significant wage gap between Dynacare employees and their counterparts in the public health-care sector.

Dynacare workers have been without a contract since March 31. The Labour Board's ruling, based on evidence presented by witnesses from Dynacare and the province during a September 15 hearing, found that the withdrawal of Dynacare's services would severely limit access to specimen collection, laboratory testing, and diagnostic results across Manitoba.