Subscribe RSS Feed Email

Recreation facilities closures lead to temporary work interruptions for some employees

January 29, 2021 4:25 PM
(Red Deer, Alberta)

Today, 63 permanent part-time and full-time staff working in City recreation facilities were issued temporary work interruption notices as part of The City’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In accordance with the mandatory public health measures announced on December 8, 2020, by the provincial government, all City recreation facilities closed on December 12, 2020. Since then, staff have been redeployed throughout the organization, assisting with priority work in other departments, completing essential recreation projects and working to ensure programs, services, systems and amenities are ready for reopening in the future. Additionally, Approximately 100 casual staff have not been scheduled in recreation facilities since December 12.

“The decision to adjust staffing levels is never easy, and it is not something we take lightly,” said City Manager Allan Seabrooke. “Without revenue from these facilities, it was a very difficult, but necessary decision as we consider our role as stewards of tax payers’ dollars.”

The temporary work interruptions include customer service staff, lifeguards, program staff, custodians and maintenance workers. Key staff have been retained to ensure the ongoing safety and security of recreation facilities, and to continue planning for reopening as soon as is possible.

Today, the provincial government provided a plan for the gradual easing of public health measures. In the coming days, we will be reviewing and assessing this plan to determine its impact on City operations.

“In recent months, recreation staff have been nimble, adapting quickly to new and changing public health measures. I want to thank all of them for their hard work and dedication to providing vital recreation services to our community. We look forward to the day when we can welcome both staff and citizens back to our facilities,” said Seabrooke.

Staff on temporary work interruptions will continue to have access to most of their benefits, including mental health supports. The City of Red Deer worked with affected unions as part of the temporary work interruption process, including the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

For more information, please contact:

Communications & Strategic Planning
The City of Red Deer

- end -