Health care workers to 'blow whistle' on private health care

Noon rally features CUPE national president Judy Darcy and BC Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair

Hundreds of health care workers will rally later today outside the Richmond headquarters of the Workers’ Compensation Board. They’re speaking out against the expansion of private health care and pressing agencies like the WCB and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia to find ways of investing in the public health care system instead of purchasing services for injured workers and insurance claimants from private, for-profit clinics.

“It’s time to refocus our efforts on strengthening public health care so that all British Columbians receive timely treatment for their injuries,” says Chris Allnutt, secretary-business manager of the Hospital Employees’ Union.

“It’s unacceptable that public agencies like WCB and ICBC pour millions into private clinics when those funds could be used to keep operating rooms open and expand physiotherapy and other rehab services in our public health care facilities.”

Along with Allnutt, CUPE national president Judy Darcy and BC Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair will speak at the rally.

NOON — OCTOBER 18 Workers’ Compensation Board HQ 6951 Westminister Hwy (@ Gilbert Rd.) Richmond

-30- For more information, please contact: Mike Old, communications officer, 604/828-6771