Over the past two weeks, Labcorp workers have shown what happens when we turn out, stand together, and keep the pressure on. One lesson was abundantly clear: when we show up with numbers and our community and patients behind us, Labcorp’s corporate attorneys don’t know how to handle the situation and ultimately make as much movement as they can towards an acceptable deal. Here’s what we’ve accomplished in three powerful bargaining sessions:
September 12
- With a full room of observers, Labcorp moved significantly on non-financial issues.
- We reached tentative agreements (TAs) on Standards of Employment, Personnel Files, Safety & Quality of Care, and PTO accrual for 7-on/7-off employees.
- We pressed back hard on overtime, rejecting Labcorp’s demand for mandatory OT and proposing voluntary Critical Shift Incentives instead.
September 16
- Federal mediation entered the process — a direct result of our escalations and strong observer turnout.
- Labcorp managers refused to face the dozens of members gathered, sneaking upstairs only after initially refusing to enter the building.
- We reached a TA on the Labor Partnership Committee, creating regular meetings to address health and safety, workload, staffing, and quality of care.
September 17
- We kicked off the day with a massive tailgate rally featuring members, community allies, and union leaders. OFNHP was honored with an award from the Oregon AFL-CIO for leading a groundbreaking organizing effort. OFNHP accepted the award on behalf of our organizing committee, whose incredible work has been an example for the entire country’s labor movement.
- Allies from across Providence, Legacy, OEA, Teamsters, and more showed up in solidarity, along with Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor and State Senator Lew Frederick.
- Management again ducked the community, refusing to bargain in person. Over Zoom, we reached TAs on union rights and access: Stewards and representatives gain facility access, four union-led new employee orientations per year, and a union bulletin board at each facility.
What This Means
Labcorp is moving because we’re united and visible. Our observers, community support, and escalating actions are forcing management to respond. Together, we are making history — building power not just for ourselves, but for the future of care across our industry.
When we get back together in October for our next bargaining sessions we will be diving head first into economics, this means more than ever we MUST turn up the heat if we are going to get a strong economic package. The first step all of us can make is becoming a member of our union. If you have not signed a membership card already make sure you do so here.
When we fight together, we win together.