GNWT backs away from Stanton cuts
Union leadership plans action; criticizes GNWT handling of matter
Walter Strong
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, October 15, 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The territorial government says protests over possible job cuts at Stanton Territorial Hospital are premature.
According to Union of Northern Workers president Todd Parsons, the union was informed early this month the government would introduce staff layoffs by next summer. Up to eight facilities maintenance workers would reportedly be affected.
Yellowknifer was told that at the Stanton Hospital annual general meeting on Oct. 7, the union questioned Health Minister Glen Abernethy and Stanton CEO Brenda Fitzgerald on the layoffs which the union understood to be happening as early as next summer.
Parsons stated the union received a "confusing array of answers" on the layoffs.
The move is part of a larger trend toward privatizing services at Stanton and in the public health sector generally, Parsons said in a written statement.
The GNWT is in the midst of determining a private partner to renovate the hospital, which requires more than $300 million in retrofits.
"The layoffs are the latest in a management campaign of health-care privatization," Parsons stated.
"Food services and housekeeping have already been contracted out. This privatization doesn't just hurt workers, it will hurt the quality of health care at Stanton."
Frank Walsh, UNW second vice-president who is running against Parsons in the race to be president in this weekend's UNW convention, works at the hospital.
"You've got a workforce of eight who have no idea what their future holds," said Walsh.
"The only thing they know is that of next July, things will be changing."
Walsh said the way the GNWT is handling the issue - essentially, he says, leaving the workers in suspense about their job futures - is a disservice to staff at Stanton.
"I don't think anybody is going to sit (and wait)," said Walsh. "They (the affected workers) feel they have to look for work. They can't wait for next July to get two-week's notice."
Walsh is concerned the uncertainty surrounding the positions could jeopardize smooth functioning at the hospital, pointing to facility maintenance workers who are responsible for an array of core services at Stanton.
"This is a 26-year-old building," said Walsh. "Many things are in need of maintenance. If these guys leave, who are they going to get to come in and do the work, a short-term work force?
"It could lead to a really big concern for Stanton Hospital," he added. "We're going to fight this."
But, as of yesterday the GNWT appears to be distancing itself from the specifics of any layoffs.
A written statement provided by Shaun Dean, director of cabinet communications, states, "it is too early to speculate about how building maintenance jobs might be affected once the (Stanton renewal) project has been completed. With several years to plan for any changes, the GNWT will work with any employees who might be affected by the project and the UNW, according to its contractual commitments and normal human resources policies."
