(Halifax) Striking workers at Autumn House womens shelter in Amherst say they are extremely concerned that lives will be put at risk by the employers latest contingency plan.
Following the sudden departure of the shelters Executive Director, its Board of Directors has announced that they now plan to staff the house for only two hours per day.
In addition, all crisis calls will be forwarded to Third Place in Truro. The board says any women and children needing shelter will be transported to Tearmann House in New Glasgow.
CUPE Local 4326 President Terry Cove says she is simply shocked at such nav0065 thinking. Do they really think that, at this time of year, women will leave even a dangerous situation to be moved out of town?
If women in crisis have to call Truro and Truro workers then have to make a long distance call to Amherst Police, this becomes a highly ineffective way to respond to a possibly life-threatening situation, says Cove.
We have had situations where weve had to call the police because an assault was in progress and we could provide the address of the victim. Is someone in Truro going to be able to do that? How are these women going to get to a lawyer or court appointment from New Glasgow, asks Cove.
Says Cove, It is time for the people of Cumberland County to let this group of directors know they will not stand for our community going without these essential services any longer.
Cove says, The only contingency plan this community needs right now is for the board to get back to the bargaining table and negotiate an end to this strike!
For information:
Terry Cove
President, CUPE Local 4326
(902) 667-7314 (h)
(902) 694-3012 (Cell)
John McCracken
CUPE Communications Representative
(902) 455-4180 (o)