By rdnewsNOW staff

COVID-Induced Layoffs

Town of Blackfalds announces layoffs amid COVID-19 pandemic

Apr 1, 2020 | 2:52 PM

Another central Alberta municipality has had to make the difficult decision of laying-off staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday, the Town of Blackfalds announced temporary staff lay-offs due to a shortage of work during these unprecedented times.

Town officials say affected positions include full-time, part-time, contract, and casual staff whose hours are typically scheduled on a weekly, monthly or as-needed basis, and are now cut as a result of facility closures. Town facilities were closed on March 16, with closures recently extended from April 15 to May 15.

“We are doing everything we can to support our employees,” explains Human Resource Officer Lisa Murray, in a release. “They will be provided with the necessary paperwork to guide them in how to apply for Employment Insurance (EI). Layoffs are an important step to enable staff, without any scheduled hours, the ability to access options such as EI benefits as soon as possible.”

Murray further reiterated that, “once the curve of the pandemic has leveled-off, we will reassess the situation in May and follow the recall process as per the Collective Agreement.”

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Over 25 staff are being laid off or their contract terminated early, many of whom work in the Community Services department.

“While we tried our best to keep everyone working during this time; the fact that we had to extend facility closures into May, there was simply not enough work,” added Sean Barnes, Director of Community Services. “This decision has been tough on all of us, especially the staff who are directly affected and the managers who had to deliver the bad news.”

“We recognize that this will result in hardship and we are ensuring that those affected are given the tools and guidance to access the financial supports that have been announced by both the federal and provincial governments,” notes Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Myron Thompson.

Officials point out the Town has several employees self-isolating due to travel or illness as recommended by Alberta Health Services.

In addition, essential positions needed to continue to deliver the Town’s services during the pandemic are set up to work from home.