Staff are disgusted at lengthy redundancy negotiations at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s laundry service, according to union boss Chris Furbert.

Twelve workers were given the option of transferring elsewhere in the hospital or taking redundancy following an upgrade at the department, with a number choosing the latter option. However, Bermuda Industrial Union president Mr. Furbert says negotiations over the move have been ongoing for about two years, leading to frustration among employees.

Yesterday, disgruntled staff also raised issues over conditions at the laundry department while the modernisation programme takes place.

Bermuda Hospitals Board says the refurbishment of the department is vital for the long-term functioning of the hospital.

Mr. Furbert said: “The union has been negotiating with the hospital for a long time. The staff are disgusted because it’s been going on for a couple of years. It’s a matter that should have been resolved quickly.

“They are also frustrated about getting new equipment there. These issues need to be sorted out.”

A BHB spokeswoman said: “BHB spent two years reviewing and planning improvements to its laundry service at KEMH.

“Laundry staff and the Bermuda Industrial Union have been involved in this process. The modernisation is now underway and is due to be finished later this year. This department was refurbished in 2004 but, as the laundry department is vital for the smooth functioning of the hospital, further investment is being made in modernising equipment and workflow.

“The benefits will include faster processing of laundry, a more efficient process for distributing laundry around the hospital and the provision of a relaxing area specifically for laundry staff.

“Following independent advice on making these improvements, a number of positions were found to be unnecessary, many of which were part-time positions. Twelve people in affected positions are being given the option of looking to transfer within the hospital or redundancy. Some staff members have chosen redundancy.”

Regarding current working conditions, the spokeswoman added: “In response to questions posed this morning about a piece of machinery being removed from the laundry, BHB confirms technicians are currently clearing out a piece of redundant equipment, which will be replaced with new machinery. “This is part of the modernisation programme. Final removal of the redundant equipment is scheduled for after-working hours.”

Staff twice telephoned The Royal Gazette yesterday to invite a journalist to hear their side of the story. However, they refused to speak to the reporter who arrived at the scene.