By rdnewsNOW staff

Notices given

City of Lacombe announces temporary layoffs due to COVID-19

Mar 31, 2020 | 3:14 PM

The City of Lacombe has temporarily laid off 50 non-essential staff – nearly one third of its workforce – due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“It is unfortunate we are in a position that requires substantial staff adjustments,” says Mayor Grant Creasey, in a release. “Thankfully, these layoffs are temporary, and I look forward to the day when our workforce returns to full capacity. In the meantime, core municipal services important to our daily lives remain in good hands.”

Temporary lay-off notices were issued on Mar. 30 to staff working in service areas not currently being accessed due to provincial and federal regulations, such as lifeguards, events staff, customer services representatives, and others providing non-essential functions within the organization.

“After taking into account the provincial and federal regulations in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus, and the new restrictions on non-essential businesses and business functions announced on Friday, this step was a necessary, albeit unappealing, option,” adds Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Matthew Goudy. “While this was not an easy decision, I believe it is the best option to make sure the City is in a strong position to re-engage full operations when the pandemic passes.”

“I want to specifically say to those employees that are affected by our choices today that this is not happening because we don’t value you, or your contribution to our organization and community,” continues Goudy. “We hope to have you all back quickly, as soon as we can restart our full suite of services to residents and businesses.”

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