The union representing workers at DynaLIFE DX filed a strike vote application on Tuesday with the Alberta Labour Relations Board.
About 900 medical laboratory staff, including 25 in Red Deer, joined Health Sciences Association of Alberta last summer.
HSAA president Elisabeth Ballermann said the labour board’s decision could be known by today and if the strike vote is approved the vote would likely be held Aug. 6 or 7. The earliest a strike could happen is Aug. 10.
Ballerman said the union understand the impact a strike would have on Albertans and could continue to provide some services during a strike.
“We may choose to take some sites out and others not. That’s to be determined. (But) if the employer were to lock out — that would be everyone,” Ballerman said on Tuesday.
Negotiation between the union and DynaLIFE DX broke down on Monday.
HSAA says the company has offered close to 17 per cent less in compensation compared to provincial industry standard.
The union and the company are far apart on compensation in lieu of a pension plan, health-care coverage for staff, retention bonuses, shift and weekend premiums and providing advance work schedules.
DynaLIFE DX operates 36 labs in Edmonton, Central and Northern Alberta.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com