Due to the latest COVID-19 restrictions put in place by The Alberta Government, The Town of Blackfalds has temporarily laid off 23 short-term, part-time, and full-time employees.

The Town announced that municipal facilities, excluding FCSS, would be closed until further notice; resulting in positions including full-time, part-time, contract, and casual staff whose hours are typically scheduled weekly, monthly, or as needed being cut for the second time this year.

“The Town of Blackfalds has once again enacted temporary layoffs of 23 short-term, part-time, and full-time employees. This was a tough decision, especially with the holiday season before us,” added Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson. “The closing of the recreation facilities within the community has necessitated the layoffs, and we are hopeful that our facilities will be re-opened sooner than later, and we can bring our employees back.”

As per the Alberta Health restrictions put in place on December 10th, this will last for a minimum of four weeks.

Human Resources Officer Erin Lawrence is reminding impacted staff that they have the ability to access and use the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), which is available anytime and anywhere for staff and includes instant confidential counselling and much more.

“We are eager to get our staff back to work again,” added Community Services Department Director Sean Barnes. “We will continue to communicate with and support them until we are able to bring them back.”

 

-With information provided by The Town of Blackfalds