OPSEU calls on government to intervene in layoffs at Renfrew community living agency

TORONTO, March 31, 2020 /CNW/ - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas is calling for Community and Social Services Minister Todd Smith to intervene in the layoff of workers in Renfrew who are in isolation due to COVID-19.

Six members of OPSEU who work at Community Living Renfrew County South were required last week to quarantine or self-isolate. They have been issued Record of Employment papers by their employer in order to apply for Employment Insurance.

The Employer has provided no compensation to the workers and Thomas points out this flies in the face of job-protected leave changes passed in the legislature earlier this month.

"Through no fault of their own, and despite the fact this agency is fully funded, these workers have been set adrift with no immediate support," said Thomas. "The minister must step in and stop this nonsense."

"Employers have a responsibility to support their employees during this global pandemic."

OPSEU Local 472 members at Community Living Renfrew South have also been instructed to work at several different long-term care homes to meet the demand for staff at these homes. However, this puts both the staff and residents at increased risk for community spread of COVID-19.

"These workers are following government-issued directives for their own safety and for the safety of the residents and Ontarians," said Thomas.

"This employer's actions are not only illegal ? they're dead wrong and irresponsible."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)