FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January
18, 2006
Regional offices
first casualty of LHINs: Changes will allow government to
avoid responsibility for unpopular decisions
TORONTO: Members of the Ontario
Public Service Employees Union working in at least seven
regional offices of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
became the first casualty today of the Local Health
Integration Networks (LHINs).
Ministry employees were advised
today, via a videotape, of the closing of these offices. This
closing will affect about 160 OPSEU members across Ontario, as
the ministry prepares for the setup of the unaccountable LHINs.
“Decisions once made by
publicly accountable public servants – people who do such
excellent work -- will now be made by the unelected and
non-local LHINs. The Ministry is making these changes to avoid
direct responsibility for any unpopular decisions and avoid
questions in the Legislature,” said OPSEU President Leah
Casselman. “How can the McGuinty Liberals talk about
increasing local access when they are closing very effective
local offices?”
OPSEU will ensure that all of
the rights and entitlements of employees are protected through
this downsizing and will fully enforce the collective
agreement. A transition team will be set up to deal with
issues as they arise to help protect OPSEU members, said
Patrick Fry-Smith, chair of OPSEU’s ministry team (MERC).
OPSEU and three other major
health care unions have mounted a major campaign to fight the
LHINs. Please see www.stoplhins.ca for more information.
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For further information:
Patrick Fry-Smith, Chair, OPSEU
representative, Ministry of Health 905-481-2579
