Algoma CAS Layoffs
Soo Kids Rejoice

July 20, 2008 permalink

Algoma CAS has scheduled a layoff of twelve employees, improving safety for the Soo region's children.

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CAS lays off staff

Posted By MARC CAPANCIONI, SPECIAL TO THE STAR, Updated July 19, 2008

A dozen employees at Algoma Children's Aid Society may be out of work this fall. About 12 members from the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1880 received a 60-day lay-off notice recently, confirmed Rick Alexander, CUPE national representative.

"It's always the front-line staff that gets laid off -- never management," he said.

The employees -- some temporary -- are involved with residential intervention and work with children in their homes.

"I hope what (management is) doing doesn't have an impact on the community," said Alexander. "I hope it's just a surplus (of workers), and they're dealing with it."

Tracy Willoughby, CAS Algoma director of services, said programs will run as usual. "These are minor adjustments. They won't affect our services."

In fact, the agency is simply dumping temporary positions for permanent ones, she said.

Alexander is optimistic that most -- if not all -- the workers affected will find other positions within the CAS. The union and management will meet in early September to discuss possible openings.

"We'll take a look at every-one's skill level and make suggestions at that point. I'm hopeful that at the end of the day, no one will lose their jobs," he said.

"There's still going to be employment opportunities within the agency," said Willoughby.

Nevertheless, Alexander said management is at fault. "They put themselves in this position by hiring a bunch of people without thinking (about the future). For the most part, they overextended themselves," he said.

Part of the problem, according to Alexander, is the structure of the organization, which he deems "top-heavy."

Source: The Sault Star