DynaLIFE labour dispute

Disputes inquiry board appointed

The Alberta government has appointed a Disputes Inquiry Board to help DynaLIFEDX and Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) reach a collective agreement for 912 workers in central and northern Alberta.

The HSAA served notice for strike action to begin on Friday, August 14 at 6 a.m. Because the Disputes Inquiry Board was established before strike/lockout action began, the union cannot strike and the employer cannot lock out employees until this inquiry process concludes.

Negotiations between the parties can continue even while a Disputes Inquiry Board is in place.

"This independent, third-party perspective provides opportunity to resolve the outstanding issues and result in an agreement suitable to both parties," said Employment and Immigration Minister Hector Goudreau. "Meanwhile, Albertans can be assured that their access to medical laboratory services will not be compromised."

If a settlement cannot be reached by September 25, the board will make recommendations for settlement to the Minister. The recommendations are then forwarded to both parties. They have 10 days to notify the Minister of their acceptance of the recommendations. If both parties accept the recommendations, they will form part of a new collective agreement and the dispute will be settled.

If one or both of the parties does not accept the recommendations, the Labour Relations Board conducts a vote of the party (or parties) that did not accept them.

If the recommendations are rejected again, the parties can continue negotiations to reach a settlement, or a strike or lockout may commence after 72-hours.

For more information, please visit the Government of Alberta’s website