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(Fredericton) – CUPE healthcare workers employed by Horizon Health New Brunswick have been notified by their employer of its intention to layoff staff.

The layoffs are part of Horizon Health’s proposed plan to deal with a $17 million reduction in government funding.

The notice, issued to the executive of Local 1252 on July 26, 2011 fails to indicate the number of employees to be affected or where the reductions will occur. Horizon Health intends to begin the process in 4 to 6 weeks, pending approval by the provincial Department of Health.

Local 1252 president Norma Robinson is very concerned with the employer’s plan to reduce staffing levels.

“Many departments are already running with skeleton crews,” says Robinson. “We believe that, if approved, these layoffs will eventually lead to delays in frontline services, which will also lead to delays in wait times for patients.”

Robinson says, “We also believe these cuts will further increase the possibility of infectious disease due to a lack of clean and healthy work environments.”

The local is planning a campaign to fight these proposed reductions and will be meeting with the membership on the plan of action to be taken.

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For information:

Norma Robinson    
President, CUPE Local 1252  
(506) 273-7727    

Ralph McBride
CUPE National Representative
(506) 635-1622; rmcbride@cupe.ca