MUHC budget cuts spark workers protest

Employees at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) are protesting budget cuts they say will impact patients as well as staff.

In face of an anticipated $115 million deficit, theMUHC announced in January it will be cutting $40 millionfrom its expenses, and expects the government will slash another $10 million.

But the McGill University Health Centre Employees Union (CUSM), says the cuts will impact patient care.

"Management has categorically refused to discuss staff management and the ratio of managers to employees, which is much higher than in other places," the union stated in a press release.

Today the union representing clerical workers, orderlies, and radiology employees isholding protests at MUHC facilitiesincluding the Montreal General hospital.

Meanwhile, the union representing the MUHC's nurses, nursing assistants and cardio respiratory staff is opting out of any protests for now.

Line Larocque, president of the union, said the MUHC recently guaranteed they would not cut any positions.

But Larocque remains skeptical.

"We want to keep the same services, but you know at some point you have to cut somewhere," she said.

Larocque said she is waiting to take action until Friday, when she will find out more details on the impact of the budget reductions.