Union sues to block privatization of Alaska Psychiatric Institute

JUNEAU — Alaska State Employees Association Local 52 filed suit Monday against the state of Alaska, alleging the Department of Health and Social Services has violated bargaining agreements, state law and the Alaska Constitution as it seeks to privatize operations of the Alaska Psychiatric Institute.

“We want the state of Alaska to do this the right way, and it hasn’t been done the right way,” said Jake Metcalfe, executive director of the union, by phone Monday.

Matt Shuckerow, press secretary to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, said the administration does not comment on ongoing litigation.

The association represents more than 200 employees at the state’s only public psychiatric hospital, according to the complaint filed Monday in Anchorage District Court. The complaint seeks damages and an injunction against the state, blocking it from privatizing the hospital.

Read more: https://www.adn.com/politics/2019/04/16/union-sues-to-block-privatization-of-alaska-psychiatric-institute/
(Anchorage Daily News)