The COVID-19 pandemic has made all of us more aware of the often unseen but incredibly important work that medical laboratory technologists and technicians perform. Their efforts and knowledge are essential to public safety.
At OPSEU, we have always been grateful for the work they do. We have stood side-by-side with these professionals since welcoming our first group as members in the 1970s. But today, more than ever, Ontarians and Canadians owe our lab techs a huge thank you. During the COVID-19 outbreak they have been behind every lab test result, and have been there for patients when they need answers.
During National Medical Laboratory Week, observed April 19 to 25 in the U.S. and April 26 to May 2 in Canada, we say to all medical lab technicians, OPSEU members or not: Thank you! Thank you for being so dedicated to being part of the solution; thank you for your professionalism during around-the-clock work weeks; thank you for giving our families, friends, loved ones, and our communities the advanced warning we need to prevent illness, and to get well sooner.
This is a time for awareness, so go out of your way to thank a lab tech you know or send a message through social media. Download this helpful tool kit from the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science for ideas on how you can raise awareness of this profession, the wonderful, dedicated people who work within it, and the life-saving practices they use.
In Solidarity
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, First Vice-President/Treasurer