While technological aspect of Toronto's new digital-first hospital have been deemed a success, the facility plagued by disputes arising from contracting out cleaning work, according to an article on the Toronto Star website.
“The frustration is everywhere in that building,” said the business agent for Teamsters Local 419, which represents hospital cleaners.
The controversy, now the subject of an Ontario Labour Relations Board case, was sparked in part by the new Humber River Hospital’s decision to subcontract out some cleaning.
The Teamsters say the move violated the terms of its collective agreement, which forbids contracting out work that could be done by Teamsters members. The union is also unhappy about staffing levels at the sprawling facility, claiming the hospital does not have enough manpower to keep the place clean.
According to the union, the hospital has faced cleaning supply shortages since opening, including lack of mops, toilet brushes, brooms, dustpans and appropriate cleaning solutions.
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