It’s “greatly disturbing” that the Yukon Health Authority Act has been tabled with “no prior consultation” with the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), the Yukon Federation of Labour (YFL) said Friday.

The PIPSC represents workers at the Yukon Hospital Corp. (YHC), whose employees will gradually move to the new health authority.

YFL president Teresa Acheson said the lack of consultation was mentioned last Wednesday during debate on the bill creating the authority in the legislature.

“Based on feedback received from two unions impacted by the implementation of a Yukon Health Authority, the consultation with unions and the workers directly impacted by this has been ‘horrendous,’” Acheson said.

“The lack of engagement and appearance of the government pushing forward to establish a health authority without meaningful engagement, consultation or consideration for the unions representing workers providing our health care services, is already sending red flags for a successful or considerate transition.

“The unions should already have representation on any committees or working groups that are planning this transition,” Acheson added.

“The representation of the unions needs to be part of the transition process, and not just one or two meetings with a CEO or director. Effective consultation is not a meeting where government or employers simply share information or advise of how they are proceeding.”

Additionally, Acheson said, “we know that a health care crisis, damaging internal effects of massive agency nursing and abuse of casual workers also need to be adequately addressed. All employees (including casuals) should be defined as employees and have the right of union representation in a new health authority.”

Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee has advised the legislature there will be no negative ramifications to salaries, benefits nor pensions for employees transitioning from the YHC to the new authority.

Acheson has set out her concerns in a letter to McPhee, writing, “As the voice of workers across various sectors in Yukon, the Yukon Federation of Labour emphasizes the crucial role that unions play in safeguarding the rights and interests of workers.

“In transitioning to a health authority, it is imperative that the perspectives of frontline health care workers, who are at the core of delivering quality care to Yukon residents, are actively sought and valued.”

Acheson also referred to the “expertise and insights of workers integrated into the decision-making processes.

“By involving unions and worker representation, the Yukon government can promote a smoother transition that prioritizes the well-being of both health care professionals and the communities they serve,” she said.

“A successful new health authority must prioritize Putting People First, addressing concerns such as the health care crises, extensive agency nursing and casual worker abuse.”

The YFL called for “a commitment to a transparent and inclusive approach that includes regular consultations with unions, mechanisms for feedback from workers, and opportunities for meaningful input into the development and implementation of policies related to the health authority transition, including representation on advisory committees, transformation networks and any other working groups.”

Front-line workers such as nurses, social workers and physiotherapists “all know their patients best, and they are best informed to advise on what is needed for the care of Yukoners,” Acheson said.

Jordan Owens, the director of the cabinet communications staff, said Friday government officials “fully acknowledge and respect the importance of meaningful engagement with unions and workers in the transition to a health authority.

“The input of diverse and relevant voices in establishing a health authority ensures inclusive decision-making and better addresses the varied needs of Yukoners, while the authority itself will streamline health care governance, improve access to services and enhance overall health outcomes.”

On March 27, Owens noted, McPhee tabled a document in the House detailing employee and union engagement regarding the authority’s implementation.

The document notes involvement has been ongoing since the winter of 2022 to gather employee feedback on health system transformation.

Deputy ministers have visited numerous work units within Health and Social Services, and eight Yukon communities to hear from employees.

A virtual all-staff meeting with the Department of Health and Social Services and YHC staff took place in early March.

Since the document was tabled, seven additional staff engagements have been held for Health and Social Services and YHC employees in late March and early April, or are planned, including an in-person meeting at Whitehorse General Hospital.

Online and in-person staff engagements are planned through the end of April, including in-person sessions in Dawson and Watson Lake.

Public engagements are planned in every community through spring and early summer.

As well, Owens said, meetings with PIPSC, PSAC, and YEC leadership were held last Tuesday and Thursday. Monthly meetings are planned.

“We appreciate the feedback outlined in the YFL’s letter,” Owens said.

McPhee will respond to it soon, Owens added.