Dear Editor:
On June 21 your newspaper published an article about the closure of the North Vancouver WorksafeBC office. I want to clarify some of the information given to you by WorkSafeBC. WorkSafeBC has had a North Shore office for the past 17 years.
They have been located out of the Esplanade location for nine years, but on the North Shore much longer.
This office currently services workers and employers on the waterfront, the Sea to Sky corridor, Sunshine Coast and Whistler; as well as Vancouver centre.
On average, three to five workers or employers come into the North Vancouver office every day to seek service. These workers and employers will now need to travel a considerable distance and across at least one bridge to get to the new office in the Tri-Cities area. It is hard to imagine how those clients will see this move as a seamless process.
Many of our members who live on the North Shore are, understandably, upset. The move may not result in any loss of employment, but their employment will be affected.
Some have just relocated to the area, only to be told the office is closing. Some will have a long commute in front of them now, and will face work/life challenges. But even more than the impact on their personal life, union members are concerned about the impact the move will have on their clients.
They fear it will impact customer service. Many case managers do job site visits. Assessment officers meet with employers at their location, and all staff meet with injured workers and employers regularly in the office. It is difficult to understand how the move will result in better customer service for those individuals.
WorkSafeBC didn’t consult with their employees, their union, their employer groups or their injured worker community to discuss the impacts of the move.
Nor did they explore possible alternatives — like a work centre remaining in the area to better service the local community.
I encourage your readers to contact WorkSafe and your local MLA to let them know you expect WorkSafeBC to maintain a presence on the North Shore; to ensure injured workers, their families and employers get the customer service they expect.
Sandra Wright, president, Compensation Employees’ Union
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