[LabComm] Entire housekeeping department faces unnecessary layoffs at George Pearson

[Campbell, Debbie]

The awarding of a five-year housekeeping contract to Aramark Corp. by
the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCHA) will cause layoffs and
scuttle efforts to reach a cost-savings agreement by management and
workers at George Pearson Centre. 

"Our members have been in discussions with management at the facility
and both parties were very close to reaching an agreement. The Health
Authority was also involved in the discussions at Pearson," said George
Heyman, BCGEU president. "The VCHA is clearly more enthusiastic about
privatization than allowing facilities like Pearson to find creative
ways to live within provincial budget constraints. Pearson management
and employees are committed to achieving efficiencies that maintain high
standards of care-the disruptive privatization will have a serious
impact on that care."

 

The complete housekeeping department of 44 permanent and casual
employees will be laid off at Pearson.

 

Aramark Corp, one of the three largest health care multinationals in the
world, has earnings of over $9 billion. "There is no need to generate
profits for a private multi-national corporation out of the care
provided at George Pearson Centre," said Heyman. "All workers at Pearson
are an equally important part of the rehabilitation center."

 

"Staff are well-trained in handling the housekeeping needs that patients
require. There is no need for this move by the health authority and they
should put a halt to the plans now," said Heyman.

 

"Companies wanting to provide this service will have a profit margin in
mind-not the care of patients," he said.

 

George Pearson Centre is a home for adults with severe disabilities. The
people at Pearson receive specialized assistance as a result of a
disability like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord and traumatic brain
injuries.

 

The BCGEU represents the 44 housekeeping staff and around 240 other
employees who perform other duties like care and activity duties.

 

-30-

 

Contact: Colleen Fitzpatrick, (604) 291-9611

 

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