Union says jobs at stake in expansion

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff May 09 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Unionized support workers fear the expansion of Vernon Jubilee Hospital may come at the expense of their jobs. The Hospital Employees Union warns that construction of a diagnostic and treatment tower could open the door to maintenance and housekeeping services being contracted out to the private sector. “I’m not sure how much say the Interior Health Authority has. This is government policy,” said Tracie Mundy, servicing representative with the union. “If it is such a good idea, why do they have to force it? If contracting is so good, wouldn’t the authority just do it?” Between VJH and Kelowna General Hospital — which are being treated as a single contract for expansions — there are 300 HEU employees. Housekeeping staff make about $17 an hour, but the union states privatization in Vancouver led to a wage of $12. “There are quite a few families in Vernon where both couples work at the hospital,” said Mundy. Not only would a pay decrease hurt a worker’s ability to raise a family, says Mundy, but it will make it difficult for IHA to retain staff. Mundy also says housekeeping staff are trained professionals and critical to safeguarding patients’ health. “There are bacteria out there that we’ve never had to deal with before. There is always the risk of infection,” she said of sterilizing rooms. The HEU will speak against privatization during the IHA’s board meeting in Vernon May 23. IHA officials are playing down the union’s accusations.

“It is a very premature announcement on their part,” said Murray Ramsden, chief executive officer. “I understand their concern and have a lot of empathy for the staff but it’s premature.” Under the process, Ramsden says a private company is being sought to finance, design, construct and maintain the new tower for 30 years. It could also be handed maintenance and housekeeping of the existing hospital. It’s anticipated a contract will be awarded this fall and construction of the tower will begin next year for a 2010 opening. “We will continue to keep staff informed of the process,” said Ramsden. “They do a superb job and any change would have to meet or exceed that level of service.” Tom Christensen, Okanagan Vernon MLA, is dismissing the union’s concerns. “The HEU is fear-mongering against a project that is good news for Vernon,” he said, adding that IHA has long had the ability to contract out services. “They are speculating about something that is yet to be determined.”

MLA’s rhetoric out of place Editorial:
Okanagan Vernon MLA Tom Christensen is quick to accuse the Hospital Employees Union of rhetoric. But if anyone is getting political, it is Christensen. The HEU is concerned construction of a new treatment tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital could lead to privatization of housekeeping and maintenance jobs. How did Christensen respond? By saying, “The HEU is fear-mongering against a project that is good news for Vernon.” Likely everyone in the region welcomes the $81 million expansion of VJH, including the union because its members work there and, more importantly, depend on its services just like other residents. By raising concerns about the bid process to build and operate a tower, the HEU is not coming out against the project. If anything Christensen appears to be out of touch with the potential impact of what the HEU is suggesting.

Even if housekeeping and maintenance is never contracted out, there is that possibility at this time. And until a final decision is made, existing employees will face uncertainty over their wages and whether their jobs will continue. That kind of anxiety is only natural, and any of us would react the same in similar circumstances. At least the Interior Health Authority is saying the right things and expressing empathy with the staff who depend on these jobs to support themselves and their families. IHA has also promised to be as open as possible with staff as the bid process unfolds. And communication between all parties — including government — is vital because of the potential impact on hundreds of families in our region. Let’s hope that Christensen takes a more constructive route next time instead of just serving up old, tired diatribe