Union: 'Ongoing complaints' about burnout ignored by Mackie, MLHU

While no formal notices have been filed, the union representing workers at the Middlesex-London Health Unit says they have complained about being overworked and burning out.

While no formal notices have been filed, the union representing workers at the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) says they have complained about being overworked and burning out.

"Members have complained about the work environment not being good, but a lot of people don't want to pursue things because they don't want to make it worse. They choose not to use the union to go and do anything because there's fear of reprisals," said CUPE Local 101 President Steve Holland.

The pandemic has led to MLHU employees working 12-hour shifts, but when they took requests for help to then Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie, they were rejected, according to the union.

The health unit announced Nov. 15 Mackie was taking a leave of absence, but provided no details on the reason for the leave.

But Holland says union members have described Mackie as dismissive, condescending and confrontational, and says he was never held accountable by the Board of Health, and was, in fact, protected.

"You look at the fact that Dr. Mackie received a six-figure overtime…and I don't know how any agency can afford to give one person six figures in overtime."

He would have liked to see the board bring the concerns forward to council so they could be acted on.