Registered Practical Nurse Lay Offs

(Thunder Bay, May 29, 2009) - Following a meeting with the City of Thunder Bay Homes for the Aged Administration, the Union representing the workers has been informed the City Homes for the Aged will continue moving forward with layoffs at the City operated Homes for the Aged. The City will eliminate 15 Full Time and 21 Part Time RPN positions at the 3 City operated Homes for the Aged, Dawson Court, Pioneer Ridge and Grandview Lodge.

Union representatives throughout the past few weeks have brought forth several options to Homes Administration that would address the overtime costs expressed by the City as well as long term cost savings.

CAW Local 229 City Homes Representative Jody Powers states that “had the City of Thunder Bay Homes Administration used attrition to eliminate the RPN positions as recommended by City Council in 2000 we would not be in this situation today”. He added “we need to ensure that we don’t undermine our ability to facilitate things in the appropriate way”.

Local 229 President Barb Maki said the Local is concerned that “these facilities need registered staff to manage the complex health issues we are faced with in today’s nursing home environment”.

CAW Local 229 represents approximately 2,600 members in Northwestern Ontario in over 30 bargaining units which include hospitals, nursing homes, EMS services, and community clinics.

For further information: Jody Powers @ 807.472.3798

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