Corner Brook Health care employees are planning to demonstrate tomorrow at the Western Memorial Regional Hospital for their right to know the details of the three-year action plan that has been put on hold by the Western Health Care Corporation.
Whatever is in that plan affects employees, and they have a right to know what, if anything, is going to happen to their jobs, says Donna Ryan, a health care worker and president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 488. Our members are hearing rumours that the plan contains staff reductions in nursing, housekeeping, laundry and dietary departments, and they are very nervous. It is unfair to keep people in the dark wondering whether or not theyll have a job next year.
Ryan says the government should stop playing with peoples lives and let the Corporation get on with the business of managing health care in the region.
The government is much too concerned with protecting politicians and has far too little respect for peoples lives, she says. The action-plan deserves full public discussion now. After the election and leadership review may be too late.
Employees are encouraging members of the public to come out and join in the demonstration which takes place from 12 noon til 1:30 p.m. in front of the hospital.
CUPE Local 488 represents 982 licensed practical nurses, ambulance attendants, trades and other hospital support staff in the region.
For more information please contact Donna Ryan at 634-4259.
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