Workers with Medical Laboratories of Windsor are on strike.

About 90 medical lab technicians and lab assistants entered a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. Oct. 2.

The Unifor Local 2458 employees at eight testing facilities have been without a contract since March.

Union officials say during the first five years of service, medical lab technicians earned $22 an hour while assistants earn $13.50.

They claim that is half of what those doing the same job get paid working at a hospital.

Even though workers are on strike, the lab on Ouellette Avenue remains open for patients in need of blood work. But striking employees are directing patients to other labs like Dynacare.

The striking workers are also looking for support from residents.

Marliyn Attenborough, 79, says she supports the employees, and doesn’t mind the longer wait.

“I don’t know how some people can live on the income they are getting, especially if they are single mothers” says Attenborough.

But others suggest the employees should be thankful they have jobs.