The Hospital Employees Union (CUPE) has launched a new legal action to derail the Campbell governments sweeping plans to close hospitals, cut services and privatize large parts of the health care system.
In a petition filed in BC Supreme Court, the union charges the government and its health authorities violated the law by secretly approving sweeping restructuring plans at closed door, in-camera meetings earlier this year. The union says this is a violation of the Health Authorities Act and a breach of natural justice.
HEU is seeking a court order to quash the so-called redesign plans and reverse any hospital closures, service cuts and privatizations that have taken place.
Were taking this unprecedented action because were dealing with a provincial government that totally disregards the rule of law, says HEU spokesperson Chris Allnutt. Openness, accountability and transparency have been cast aside, as the government and health authorities make decisions behind a thick veil of secrecy that keeps the public and the media completely in the dark.
Earlier in the week, Childrens and Womens Hospital cancelled a housekeeping contract with A&A Services after protests from HEU, womens groups and other groups.
This is fantastic news for health care and for our members, says Allnutt. Clearly, in its rush to sell off public services, this government is making huge mistakes.