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BC labour activists fight against privatization and contracting out of healthcare workers

"These workers should not be tossed aside in a drive to reduce costs and increase profits.” - Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.

logo for B.C. Government and Serivce Employees Union (bcgeu.ca) in blue and yellowVancouver (31 May 2012) - Over 100 activists from all sectors of the labour movement rallied in Kelowna on May 25 in support of the 130 workers from Spring Valley Care Centre who have all been given lay off notices.

The rally, which took place outside the office of Kelowna-Mission Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Steve Thomson, also raised awareness.

“The passage of Bill 29 in 2002, allowed care facilities to contract out care and support services to reduce wages. This is one more example of how B.C. Liberal policies have failed seniors and their families,” says Darryl Walker, B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) President. “At the same time it continues to drive down the wages of health care workers, most of whom are women. These workers should not be tossed aside in a drive to reduce costs and increase profits.”

BC Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair called on Premier Christy Clark to intervene and protect the jobs of the Spring Valley care home workers and the quality of care for seniors throughout the province.

"Our seniors and their families deserve better from this government," said Sinclair. "Bill 29 has done nothing but line the pockets of facility owners at the expense of seniors and the people who serve them."

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE