Workers picket to save their jobs

Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 4384 picketed to save their jobs Tuesday night.

Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4384 aired the laundry Tuesday night during an information picket in front of Cassellholme Home for the Aged. The proposed closure of the Nipissing Laundry was the reason for the picket. Twenty-six members of CUPE Local 4384 would be affected by the closure.

Audrey Dwinnell, President of CUPE Local 4384, explained the reason for the closure is due to the advanced washing methods used in Sudbury.

“They have a tunnel washer in Sudbury and it’s supposed to be cheaper…so that’s the reason why it’s closing,” Dwinnell said.

A CUPE news release stated that the decision by North Bay General Hospital's board of directors to send laundry to Sudbury has jeopardized the future of the laundry that serves area hospitals and health care facilities.

As one of the facilities that rely on the Nipissing Laundry, Cassellholme has voted against closing the laundry. Twenty-six members of CUPE Local 4384 are warning that the closure of the facility will mean job losses, reduced service, and a negative impact on the local economy.

“Probably most of us will loose our jobs,” Dwinnell said.

Dwinnell explained that she called MPP Monique Smith’s office and there was no support from her at all.

“When I spoke to her she said it was only business. I am not very pleased with Monique Smith. I voted for her and I won’t do that again,” Dwinnell said.