Midland is laying off staff and redeploying other employees in the wake of the second provincial lockdown.
When the province declared the second lockdown last Thursday, town officials decided to review staffing needs in consultation with their Operations and North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre (NSSRC) teams.
“Through this review we were able to identify staff who had the skills and abilities to help serve the municipality in other areas,” CAO David Denault said in a release.
“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. 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.”
Denault said that while some staff continue to work at the recreation centre to maintain and prepare the facility, the town took the opportunity to shift some staff to current areas of need.
“Thanks to the cooperation of our OPSEU and IBEW local unions, we were able to accomplish this,” he added.
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 the town’s 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 earlier this week.
Mayor Stewart Strathearn said the town’s ability to make these adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the talented group of employees working for the town and their commitment to serving residents in a safe and responsible manner.
“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,” he said.
The town continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and provide updates on its website.
