NEWS RELEASE
NAPE Workers at Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) Shocked by Closures and Layoff Notices
For Immediate Release:
Thursday, November 26, 2015
ST. JOHN’S, NL– Workers with the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) in St. John’s and Corner Brook, who are members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE), were shocked when they received recorded phone messages yesterday telling them not to come to work that day. The workers were later informed, by teleconference call, that VON was shutting its doors in this province and that their services were no longer required. NAPE represents seven workers at the VON.
“These workers, who offer a variety of services to individuals in St. John’s and Corner Brook, received automated messages yesterday, essentially telling them that their services were no longer required,” said NAPE President Jerry Earle. “We are still trying to get the details from the employer, but needless to say, finding out about losing your job by voicemail and a teleconference call is cold and callous. Some of these workers had almost 20 years of service.”
According to media reports, VON filed for protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. Workers in five provinces, including those in Newfoundland and Labrador, were given their notices yesterday.
“So now we are trying to figure out how these people are going to get the severance and benefits they are owed. In the end, they may have to go to court to get the monies owed,” said Earle. “Once again, workers in this province may be at the end of the line for the monies they are owed due to part of a company filing for bankruptcy. We need better protections for workers when these situations occur.”
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For further information, please contact:
Keith Dunne, NAPE Campaigns and Communications Coordinator
(phone) 709.570.2501 (cell) 709.631.9737 (email) kdunne@nape.ca
