CSN union sounds alarm over ‘toxic’ work environment at Montreal General Hospital

Technical service workers at the MUHC protest, citing fear, resignations, and potential job outsourcing, while the hospital denies plans to replace staff.

Members of the CSN union held a midday protest Monday outside the Montreal General Hospital’s emergency department, raising concerns about what they describe as a toxic work environment.

“People cannot speak out. Any time you speak out, you’re going to be pointed out, and then you’re going to be targeted,” said Shiaman Diawara of the CSN union.

Diawara said technical service employees, such as plumbers, electricians and carpenters, are afraid to voice concerns. He added that a lack of respect from managers has led to resignations and other departures.

“People are leaving the department because they’re not respected. The way they speak to them, and the fear of reprisal. That’s why they are leaving,” he said.

The union alleges that departing employees are often replaced by private subcontractors.

“The jobs could be done by MUHC workers. The bosses prefer to subcontract those jobs, which makes it cost a lot more than if were unionized, in-house workers would do it,” said Bertrand Guibord of the CSN union.

In a statement, the MUHC said it has “legal and operational obligations to ensure 24/7 coverage to guarantee the safety of patients, staff and hospital facilities,” adding that contracted services may be necessary in certain circumstances. It called claims that the hospital is deliberately seeking to replace workers with external firms “inaccurate and do[es] not reflect the reality of our practices.”

Some union members fear the trend won’t stop with technical services.

“Technical services is a problem right now, but I think down the line they’re going to try to go mostly all departments,” Roger Renwick, from the CSN union, said. “They did it with laundry. I think maybe in a couple of years it might be the whole hospital under private use.”