Laboratory workers set to strike

Laboratory workers at SCL Labs – part of Awanui Labs – in the South Island and Wellington region will strike on Friday 17th and Monday 20th November.

This strike will be a full withdrawal of labour for all APEX members – including scientists, technicians and phlebotomists – at all medical laboratories and collection centres from the Wellington region south, except for Canterbury Health Labs at Christchurch hospital and the lab at Grey hospital on the West Coast which are run by Te Whatu Ora.

The strike also includes the Awanui Lab in Hawkes Bay.

The planned strike action is Part of a continuing strike campaign that began in July to secure a reasonable pay offer at collective bargaining.

APEX represents more than 80% full of the workforce who fall within the coverage of the collective agreement.

“Being a worthy choice for the provision of medical laboratory services is more than a flashy multi-million dollar rebranding project, or a $43m dividend to shareholders; half of whom are in Canada” said APEX Advocacy Lead David Munro today.

“It actually requires Awanui to dig deep into their own coffers and invest in their workforce.

“The business has profited from Covid, and the shareholders did well.

“Today is the flip side of that coin. Awanui must now step up and demonstrate its commitment to the patients of our public Health system in the long-term. Either that or get out and let those who can hang in there for the long-haul takeover.”

The most recent pay offer by Awanui would leave a scientist with 7 years’ experience working in an Awanui Lab on a salary 26% behind their equivalent in a Te Whatu Ora lab.

Strike details below:

– Dunedin / Frankton / Wellington / Nelson / Timaru / Oamaru / Napier/Hastings

– Friday 17 November 2023, 0001 hours to 2359 hours

– Christchurch / Ashburton / Invercargill

– Monday 20 November 2023, 0001 hours to 2359 hours