HEU condemns government’s move to delay smoking regulations

Liberals’ business loyalties override WCB’s mandate to protect workers’ health

The Hospital Employees’ Union condemns the Liberal government’s move to delay, until at least April 2002, implementation of the Workers’ Compensation Board’s Environmental Tobacco Smoke regulations which would further control workers’ exposure to second-hand smoke in B.C.’s long-term care facilities.

“We are extremely disappointed that Minister of Labour Graham Bruce has chosen to overrule the board’s decision and put implementation of the ETS on hold,” says HEU secretary-business manager Chris Allnutt. “The minister is certainly staying true to the Liberal’s priority — the health and welfare of business.

“The labour minister has once again chosen to side with business. One wonders whether the health and safety of B.C. workers is important in the New Era.”

HEU represents 10,000 health care workers in long-term care facilities throughout the province.

-30- For more information, please contact at 604/734-3431: Chris Allnutt, secretary-business manager, 604/880-4572 (cell) Margi Blamey, communications officer, 604/785-5324 (cell)