Disgruntled MUHC Technical Service employees request meeting with Director of Human Resources

New ventilation instalaton in the carpentry work.
CNESST intervention leads to installation of  ventilation systems at the MGH Technical Service shops. Image: New ventilation system at the carpentry workshop of the MGH.

The MUHCEU union representing the Technical Service staff at the McGill University Health Centre has submitted a formal request for a meeting between the Director of Human Resources and the Technical Service employees.

The Technical Service employees which includes, carpenters, painters, electricians, movers, and maintenance mechanics, informed Our MUHC, that they have lost confidence in the management of the department and wish to address their concerns directly with the Director of Human Resources.
Among the topics the employees want to address, is the work climate in the department created by the current management, the vacant positions, and contracting out of services.  A source who asked to remain anonymous, said there is only one maintenance mechanic for the whole MGH site.
Manuel Fernandes former President and VP Occupation Health and Safety for the CSN staff, understands and supports the employees request. “I completely understand the employees frustration and the need to go directly to the senior leadership. I went through the same frustration when I brought serious safety risks to the attention of the department.”
“Most of the risks were obvious, such as the lack of adequate ventilation in the [technical service] workshops, the lack of protective equipment / training for staff and management in working safely with asbestos. Unfortunately in the past, several employees tested positive for asbestos, and after months of getting nowhere with the department I brought in the CNESST.”
Fernandes, concluded by stating that he believes Richard [Fahney, Director HR] will welcome the opportunity to receive the information directly from the staff, …  “unfiltered”.