The City of Winnipeg is laying-off 674 non-permanent staff who work in recreation centres, pools, arenas and libraries effective April 25, 2020.
On March 16, 2020 the city owned facilities were closed and all programming was suspended as a response to COVID-19.
“COVID-19 is having a tremendous impact on our community and our economy, and the closure of City facilities has resulted in a significant reduction in our services,” said Mike Ruta, Interim Chief Administrative Officer. “While we want to support our employees, we also need to ensure we are being responsible with taxpayers’ money. We cannot continue to pay employees’ salaries while facilities remain closed and community programs are not available.”
Employees who are laid off temporarily will have access to mental health supports. For those employees who are in receipt of regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, the City has registered a Supplementary Unemployment Benefit Plan (SUBP) with the Government of Canada. The SUBP will provide a top-up to 75% of their regular gross weekly salary, for a period of four weeks, while they are on temporary lay-off.
“We recognize that this is a difficult time for many, especially those who are now facing the reality of being temporarily without a job. This was not a decision that we came to easily. Every employee is important to us, and we will continue to support them as we move forward,” concluded Ruta.
© News4.ca 2020
