FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 28, 2002

Medical laboratory technologists warn of danger to public health – heroes of Walkerton underpaid

ETOBICOKE - The medical lab technologists who worked around the clock to help the people of Walkerton during the tragedy earn 20 per cent less than their counterparts outside the Ontario Public Service (OPS).

Technologists at the Ministry of Health (MOH) fear that this could pose a serious risk to the future of public health because it’s so hard to recruit and retain staff at such low salaries. “We are truly the front line of defense for the health of Ontario citizens,” said Emily Bartlett, President of OPSEU Local 545, representing MOH medical lab technologists. The government’s offer does not begin to address the inequities.”

The salary disparities may mean fewer qualified professionals will be available to properly test for serious communicable diseases and it may become more difficult to identify and contain outbreaks, such as the Walkerton E-coli tragedy. “The phrase ‘You get what you pay for’ is just as true in the public sector as it is in the private sector. We’re dedicated, but eventually the talent will go where the money is. Unfortunately, serious pay inequities will mean a lower standard for the profession,” Bartlett said.

"MOH technologists test for the most serious threats to public health, such as HIV, Hepatitis C viral load, Tuberculosis, Influenza, Malaria, Rabies, Yersinia (the bacteria responsible for the plague), E-coli, pre-natal screening, West Nile and bio-terrorist agents such as Anthrax. Medical laboratory technologists play a vital role in health care. According to a publication produced by The College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario, the governing body for all of the province's regulated medical lab technologists, 70% of the information on a patient's health record and 70% of clinical decisions are based on laboratory tests.".

Most MOH medical lab technologists are on the job despite the strike, with 87% of technologists providing essential services. “The health of Ontario citizens is paramount and our members are committed to providing the necessary services to ensure that the public health needs are being met,” said Bartlett. “If we’re so essential, why such low salaries?”

The 320 medical lab technologists work in one central and 11 regional MOH health laboratories. All MOH medical lab technologists have received specialized post-secondary education and most hold university degrees.

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For more information contact:

Jay Gheewala, Vice President, OPSEU Local 545 (416) 235-6121
Emily Bartlett, President OPSEU Local 545 (416) 235-6121