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'Lead proponent' for residential care provider at Oak Bay Lodge and Mount Tolmie Hospital.
Victoria (21 May 2010) - The Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) plans to open negotiations with the Baptist Housing Society regarding the 'redevelopment' of Oak Bay Lodge and Mount Tolmie Hospital.
The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) union is pressing for more information on the issue. BCGEU represents members at Oak Bay Lodge. The Hospital Employees' Union (HEU) represents workers at Mount Tolmie Hospital.
Meanwhile, the union is reminding all BCGEU members at Oak Bay Lodge that they are protected by their Public Service Agreement (PSA) with the B.C. government.
Under the terms of the agreement a joint employer-union committee must be established to facilitate the orderly transfer of employees.
BCGEU joins other seniors' care advocates and community members in raising questions about the VIHA's proposal. Unresolved concerns include the selling off of public lands, the disruption to the continuity of care for senior residents and other issues.
The union will continue to follow these developments closely and report to members. Oak Bay City Council has passed a motion to keep Oak Bay Lodge in Oak Bay.
BCGEU is supporting a May 19 rally by the South Island Health Coalition (SIHC) to raise concerns about seniors' care in the Lower Island. The rally will coincide with a 12:30 p.m. VIHA board meeting at the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health, 2400 Arbutus Road, in Victoria.
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
More information:
• Petition on Oak Bay Lodge and Mount Tolmie Hospital
• Oak Bay council opposes sale of seniors' lodge
• BCGEU condemns plans to privatize seniors' care