The Manitoba Association of Healthcare Professionals (MAHCP) issued a strike deadline on Monday for hundreds of Dynacare workers around the province. In a news release, the union said job action will begin at 6 a.m. on Sept. 8 if the parties do not reach an agreement. The strike would impact 350 workers at Dynacare’s 22 laboratory and health service centres in Winnipeg, Brandon and surrounding communities. The announcement comes days after MAHCP members voted 99.7 per cent in favour of a strike mandate. According to the union, the workers are seeking improved compensation as Dynacare wages have dropped 20 to 50 per cent behind public hospital laboratories since 2017. MAHCP and Dynacare previously agreed that under provincial essential services legislation, it is not necessary to continue Dynacare’s laboratory services in the event of a strike. This means that all Dynacare laboratory and health service centres, including the main processing lab in Winnipeg, would be shut down during the strike. In a statement, Dynacare said it’s committed to working towards a fair and equitable outcome. “We have been bargaining in good faith through multiple rounds of negotiation, proposal exchanges, and three days of voluntary mediation, and we are focused on reaching an agreement that works for everyone,” the statement said. Dynacare went on to say that protecting access to its services is its top priority, and that it’s taking every step to ensure continuity of care. The company added that it has the well-being of its patients at the forefront of its efforts as it continues to work towards a resolution.
