REGINA: CUPE Local 5430 is concerned that the province wide review of health care security services will open the doorway to privatization of security and other services.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is conducting a province-wide review of security services, using an external consultant named Tony Weeks. Weeks conducted a similar review in Alberta in 2010 and recommended a centralized, mostly-privatized security service, which was implemented in that province.
“We are extremely concerned that the goal of this review is to privatize health care security services,” said Sandra Seitz, president of CUPE Local 5430.
“Evidence shows that integrating security services into the health care team can reduce potentially violent incidents. It is critical that health care and security staff be trained together so that they can work together effectively,” said Seitz. “Privatization of security services would be a grave mistake.”
CUPE is also concerned about the lack of consultation throughout the process.
“We are extremely disappointed that neither the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) nor the consultant conducting this review of security services asked for formal input from our union members who deal daily with the health and safety of clients, patients, staff and visitors to our health facilities,” said Seitz.
CUPE Local 5430, the union representing close to 14,000 health care workers in the province of Saskatchewan are committed to keeping health care public.
“The Saskatchewan Health Authority has a legal responsibility to provide a safe and secure workplace. It should not, under any circumstances, contract out its responsibilities for safe workplaces,” added Seitz.
Take a moment for action:
- Sign the online petition – Say No to Contracting Out in Saskatchewan’s Health Care Security Services. Tell the Saskatchewan government you oppose contracting out in health care security services.
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