The town of MIdland has announced the layoffs of three employees as a result of the second provincial emergency declared by the provincial government.
The town says it recently undertook a review of staffing needs in consultation with its Operations and North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre (NSSRC) teams, which prompted the layoffs and the redeployment of other employees to help address service needs.
“Through this review we were able to identify staff who had the skills and abilities to help serve the municipality in other areas. As a result, we will be redeploying six full time NSSRC employees and one temporary Operations employee to other opportunities until at least March 15, 2021,” said CAO David Denault. “While use of our ice and gym are presently restricted, the NSSRC does remain available to our tenants who are able to operate during the current restrictions. While some of our staff must remain in their positions to maintain and prepare the facility, it presented the opportunity to shift some staff to current areas of need for the Town, and thanks to the cooperation of our OPSEU and IBEW local unions, we were able to accomplish this.”
Redeployed employees will now assist in several areas, including:
- Public Ambassador in support of By-law – to provide education regarding COVID-19 lockdown/emergency restrictions;
- Research assistance for Planning;
- Sidewalk clearing operations; and
- Maintenance/cleaning of secondary work facilities – in accordance with Town COVID Safety Plans to maintain cohorts of essential employees.
As a result of these adjustments, and in accordance with the Town’s bargaining commitments, layoff notices were issued to three OPSEU temporary employees based on current operational needs and reverse seniority. These notices were issued on January 19 and January 20, 2021.
“Our ability to make these adjustments in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the talented group of employees we have working for this municipality, and their commitment to serving our residents in a safe and responsible manner,” said Mayor Stewart Strathearn. “With vaccines being administered there is hope in sight that a recovery will happen this year, and with that we look forward to returning to a more normal operational environment. One that our residents expect.”
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Based on current operational requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Town of Midland has announced the redeployment of staff to address service needs, and temporary layoffs. For full details visit: https://t.co/1loBJ0nC2A pic.twitter.com/d0jgHGFbe3
— The Town of Midland (@MidlandON) January 21, 2021