Some 22 employees will be affected by the layoffs. With a staff of 140 at the facility, it will mean a reduction of 12.5% of the workforce.
The members of CUPE Local 65 were informed of the layoffs at the beginning of this week. Rainycrest has recently seen 21 of its beds transferred to Rainy River District Hospital.
CUPE National Rep. Jules Tupker says, “were not even blaming the employer for this - the blame lies squarely with the Ministry of Healths unwillingness to properly fund the Fort Frances nursing home.”
Tupker adds, “the most senior employee affected by these layoffs has 32 years service. Cleaners, RPNs, Nursing Aides, Food Service Aides, maintenance workers and a cook are being affected.”
“Rainycrest will simply not be the same facility after this. Meanwhile we have a government down at Queens Park that says its committed to long term care. Its a disgrace,” says Tupker.