Labcorp - Management’s Proposal Results in Pay Cuts

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Our LabCorp negotiating team met with management on January 12 and 22. We were able to come to a tentative agreement on some of our non-economic contract improvements, but we continue to oppose LabCorp’s economic proposals. The latest session confirmed that their current wage and health insurance proposals would result in pay cuts for many members. This is unacceptable.

For context, we want to share some thoughts about the email update that LabCorp regional management sent to us in December.

  • $19.97 is the new 2024 Seattle minimum wage, so LabCorp is proposing a 0% base rate increase for Lab Assistants (and Mail Clerks, Material Handlers, Patient Intake Reps, and Service Reps).

  • This table tells us LabCorp believes 0.05¢ above minimum wage is a competitive rate for Patient Service Techs and PST Specialists.

  • “Ghost Steps” are highlighted but not explained; Med Techs would receive the rate increase after Step 21 only once and stay at that rate until they reached Step 25.

  • LabCorp chose not to include that they are only offering a 2% yearly COLA increase and that they have rejected market increases to differentials and premiums.

  • The update does not account for LabCorp’s health insurance proposal, which would increase monthly costs and raise the annual out of pocket maximum, resulting in pay cuts for most employees who hit that maximum.

In the last three years, the cost of living in Seattle has increased by 21%. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, it took nine years for costs to grow that much. While LabCorp insists that it’s not the employer’s responsibility to offset unprecedented inflation and cost of living increases, our members and our patients shoulder the consequences of crucial lab positions remaining unfilled and draw sites being closed daily.

To remain competitive, LabCorp must raise wages. This isn’t just about fair pay—it’s about solving our staffing shortages and ensuring we can deliver the service our community deserves.

We’re not backing down. Join our Union Rep and Bargaining Team at our upcoming drop-in CAT meetings to discuss negotiations, future actions, and how to win the contract we deserve. Issaquah meeting dates to come in the following weeks.

Drop-in Contract Action Team Meetings

James Tower @ the cafeteria

  • 6:30am - 10:00am on Wednesday, February 7

  • 5:00pm - 7:30pm on Thursday, February 8

First Hill @ the cafeteria

  • 6:00am – 9:00am on Wednesday, February 14

  • 5:00pm - 7:30pm on Thursday, February 15

Virtual

  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm on Sunday, February 11

  • Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.

New Member Orientation

Are you a new employee? Join us online to meet your Union Representative, fill out your membership application, and learn about your contract and your rights at work. If you are still within your 6-month probationary period, you can receive a $50 credit towards your initiation fees. If you’re unsure about your membership status, please contact Christie Harris at (206) 436-6606.

  • 7:00am – 8:00am via Zoom on the first Tuesday of every month: Feb 6, Mar 5

  • Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.