The Lodge on 4th, a publicly funded retirement home in Ladysmith, B.C., announced that it is laying off about 140 unionized employees, effective June 2010, and will contract out these positions.

The Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU) workers, which include LPNs, Care Aides, Kitchen, Laundry, Activity, Rehab, Staffing workers and Unit Clerks were given layoff notices despite having made proposals to the Company that would have saved a million dollars a year.

“Contracting out has negative consequences for the workers and for the residents they care for,” says HEU assistant secretary-business manager Bonnie Pearson.  “The disruption and upheaval caused by contracting out creates unnecessary anxiety for seniors and is distressing to families who depend on staff to look after their loved ones.”

The workers would like your support on an information line which will be organized on Tuesday, April 20.  If you have a spare hour or more this Tuesday, please come and walk with these HEU members to show your support.

Location:  Sidewalk in front of the Lodge on 4th, 1127 4th Avenue in Ladysmith, B.C.
Time:  10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

*Please note that the information line will be every Tuesday.  It is not a picket line and not intended as one.