OCTOBER 9, 2019
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Century Park Workers Fight Mass Layoffs Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser On Thursday, September 25, Century Park workers and AUPE member representatives gathered on the sidewalk to talk to residents’ families after a board meeting at the care centre. Though no strangers to picketing, the employees’ focus on this particular protest came as the result of the firing of 53 care and
quenses to Vegreville or the seniors who live here. These are good people, good caregivers, and they don’t want to leave their patients in the hands of strangers any more than they want to lose their jobs.” After the layoffs, letters were submitted to the frontline workers, the families of Century Park residents, and Town council. Workers were given just over a
tor notice letter on August 28th to inform them that a new staffing model would be implemented and “certain employees” would no longer be required, as well as an invitation to a meeting with Optima Living in September. “We weren’t asking for raises or anything,” said one former Optima employee. “All we wanted was a contract ensuring a little job security so that we can do
cook employees at the facility. The layoffs, according to AUPE vice-president Rod Feland, came as the result of a years-long fight for contracts. “This is likely a scare tactic to stop the fight for negotiations, and they will hire back some of the same staff under the new contractor,” said Feland. “They want to show their shareholders that money is being made, and they don’t care about the conse-
month before the termination of their positions on October 31st. In the letters to the workers, Optima detailed plans to contract out all Care (HCA, LPN), and Cook positions to a thirdparty contractor. Employees who were laid off have been given the opportunity to apply to work for the new contractor; with a lower salary, sub-par benefits, and still, no contracts. AUPE was also sent a contrac-
those jobs with a good night’s rest and a little peace of mind.” This mass layoff has come in on the heels of Optima Living’s decision earlier in the year to discontinue the long-time contract with Vegreville Drug Mart and turn to Rexall (Edmonton) for all patient prescription needs. “We are deeply concerned about the level of care that the
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