CUPE members at a New Brunswick group home are demanding the province take action to end the staffing crisis at the centre.
Staff at Foyer Le Rameur du Nord in Petit Rocher are calling on the Minister of Family and Social Services to launch a public inquiry into management practices at the home for youth in difficulty and young offenders.
Since the hiring of a new administrator in July 2001, ten of the fourteen staff at the home have either been fired, been forced to resign or have taken long-term sick leave.
“It is long past time for the government to become involved,” says Ren 0044oucet, president of CUPE Local 3179, which represents educators and overnight staff at the home.
The local launched a community campaign this past week, flanked by former staff and residents and community allies.
“We are prepared to take this petition to every door in Petit Rocher and the surrounding area if we have to – and we are confident that we can collect hundreds of signatures of support,” says Doucet.
“We really believe that the future of the home is at stake here. Someone needs to take responsibility.”