Two local medical testing facilities were closed earlier this week due to rotating strikes.
LifeLabs Medical Laboratory Services locations in Ladner and Tsawwassen were closed Monday and Tuesday after negotiations between the company and the B.C. Government and Service Employees Union (BCGEU) broke down over the weekend.
The union announced 48hour rotating strike action on Jan. 17. The two parties met with a mediator at the Labour Relations Board over the weekend but were unable to come to an agreement.
"We are committed to patient care in B.C. and providing high-quality diagnostic testing services for patients and physicians in the province," said Sue Paish, LifeLabs president and chief executive officer. "We remain positive and are prepared to return to the bargaining table with the BCGEU to conclude a fair collective agreement for employees."
The union represents more than 700 LifeLabs employees.
"The union doesn't take the decision to strike lightly," said a statement on the BCGEU website.
The main issues for the union are wages and the employer's demand that employees accept concessions, the statement reads.
During the two-day closure, South Delta patients in need of testing were directed to Delta Hospital.
LifeLabs has about 80 locations across the province and more than half were hit by job action this week.
