The future of Selkirk Laundry continues to be in question following information contained in a KPMG report, titled Health System Sustainability and Innovation Review: Phase 2 Report. The report recommends to, “Close the Selkirk Laundry site including operational transfer and equipment decommissioning to the Inkster Laundry site.”
For months now, the MGEU has been demanding answers on behalf of the 43 members that work at the laundry facility. It has been a staple in the community since 1974 and provides laundry services to patients from hospitals, residents in personal care homes and medical clinics located throughout the Interlake and City of Winnipeg.
“We’ve contacted the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) and the local MLA, but neither have provided straight answers to our questions,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky. “These workers deserve to know the truth and what exactly the future holds for them. They have bills to pay and families to support. This is no way to treat hard working Manitobans.”
The WRHA’s evasive response states, “There are a number of changes being considered and once decisions have been made, we remain committed to communicating these decisions.”
Yesterday, President Gawronsky shared the information with Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson who was previously unaware of the report’s recommendations to close the facility.
“This is one of the bigger employers in town, and losing it and the jobs would negatively impact our local economy,” said Mayor Johannson. “I hope we can get some answers from the government on what they plan to do and ensure we keep Selkirk Laundry open.”
The MGEU remains committed to getting answers for the members at Selkirk Laundry and fighting to keep the facility open.