Protecting Existing Workers at Vancouver Coastal Health Is Top Priority for Steelworkers

VANCOUVER, March 3, 2015 /CNW/ - The United Steelworkers (USW) is committed to fighting for workers at Vancouver Coastal Health who are being impacted by a change in contracted services from Aramark to Compass Group Canada. Workers employed by Compass are represented by the USW.

USW local 2009 President Manjit Sidhu says the Steelworkers top priority is ensuring that current employees are hired by Compass.

"We share the concerns of many others about the contract flipping and attacks on workers that have become commonplace under the B.C. Liberal government. Every time a contract is flipped, workers are impacted and that's why our union has been fighting for stronger successorship and seniority language in this sector and others, and we will continue to do so," says Sidhu.

"We have demanded that Compass ensure that as many existing workers are rehired as possible," Sidhu says.

The United Steelworkers is a strong and diverse union that represents over 50,000 workers across western Canada and more than 225,000 workers across the country in almost every sector imaginable.

Workers at Vancouver Coastal Health with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact any of the following individuals at 604-513-1850:

Manjit Sidhu, President of USW local 2009
Scott McRitchie, Vice-President of USW local 2009
Michelle Laurie, Staff Representative

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

Media Contact: Michelle Laurie, Staff Representative, 604-866-0414