Interior Health Authority keeps hospital laundry public

Common sense move benefits patients and taxpayers, says HEU

Today’s announcement by the Interior Health Authority that it will not privatize laundry services is sound public policy that will benefit patients and taxpayers, says the Hospital Employees’ Union.

The IHA, which made public its plans to consolidate laundry operations throughout its service area, has ruled out contracting out of the service to a private company and instead will achieve cost savings through consolidation and other efficiency measures.

HEU secretary-business manager Chris Allnutt called the IHA’s decision “a victory of common sense over blind ideology” and said the union will work with the authority to strengthen the delivery of laundry services.

“The IHA’s plans will affect many of our members’ jobs and we will work with them to ensure that their collective agreement rights are protected,” says Allnutt. “And we encourage the IHA to fully consult with our union as plans progress to minimize this impact.

“But I am very encouraged that at least one health employer recognizes the value of providing high quality, publicly delivered services,” adds Allnutt. “Especially when others are shipping their laundry out-of-province or engaging low-wage contractors to clean operating rooms and special care nurseries.”

-30- Contact: Dale Fuller, communications officer, 604-456-7036 (direct) Mike Old, communications officer. 604-828-6771 (cell)