Medical laboratory workers are striking for 48 hours today and on Friday over pay negotiations

APEX says workers employed at private providers Awanui Labs, Pathlab Limited and Medlab are paid up to 32-percent less than those doing the same work for Health New Zealand.

This has meant many community services are understaffed.

The employers, funded by Health New Zealand, have rejected a parity claim.

Health New Zealand says it has a contingency plan in place to ensure patients still receive the care they need.

It expects several of its hospitals to be affected - and community services to a lesser degree.