Members of the B.C. General Employees' Union have begun job action at Lifelabs after failed attempts at a new contract.

The union says it is trying to bring wages and benefits in line with the cost of living, and to address poor working conditions resulting from chronic understaffing.

The union held a one-day strike kickoff rally on Sunday in Burnaby.

As workers are considered essential, job action will persist in rotating strikes.

If you have appointments, it’s best to check your location ahead of time.

In November, LifeLabs workers voted 98 percent in favour of strike action and have been working without a contract since April 1, 2024.

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province.