Home / Health / Sudbury Care Home Faces Layoff Protest
Sudbury Care Home Faces Layoff Protest
10 Apr
Summary
- Union protests 21 layoffs impacting nurses, maintenance, and support staff.
- Extendicare claims no primary care roles are impacted by layoffs.
- Home previously faced admissions freeze due to patient complaints.
A protest was held in front of Extendicare Countryside in Sudbury on Thursday, organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The union highlighted that 21 employees have received layoff notices.
These notices affect nurses, maintenance workers, and support staff. The union steward, Monique Wasney, expressed concern that the layoffs will lead to increased workloads for remaining staff and potentially compromise resident care, especially given the home's history of regulatory issues and patient complaints.
Extendicare stated that no primary care roles are impacted and that the layoffs are part of a staffing realignment. However, the union disputes this, noting that eight registered practical nurses are among those laid off, roles they consider direct care. The long-term care home previously had its new admissions frozen for six months last year by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care following patient complaints.
Residents showed support for the workers, with one expressing worries about care levels for those unable to assist themselves. Extendicare asserts it has always staffed above standard levels and that current adjustments are to better match the home's needs without impacting resident care.
