Let’s not put the vulnerable at risk

The community of Duncan is facing a huge blow in early August when the Cerwydden Care Centre contracts to an outside service provider. More than 40 fulltime staff, who are BCGEU members, will be laid off from the senior's care facility. About 30 casual employees will also be affected.

Contracting out will have a dramatic impact on the quality of care for the more than 50 seniors who call Cerwydden home. I'm concerned the move could put the centre's most vulnerable at risk.

The BCGEU has been trying to get a clearer picture of Cerwydden's financial information to find out what the operator hopes to recover through contracting out. So far, Cerwydden hasn't provided us any information and has just gone ahead with its plan. I fear this is simply a move aimed at maximizing profits at the expense of the seniors in care.

Contracting out is frequently associated with lower wages and benefits, inadequate training, job insecurity and high turnover.

We are willing to work with Cerwydden to help find ways to save money while providing continuity of care for the residents. But we will not stand by and watch senior's care erode. This is no way to treat seniors or the workers who care for them.