Staff at Chatham’s municipally-run long-term care facility are calling attention to an ongoing dispute with management over vacation time.
Personal Support Worker Rebecca Kitchen says registered practical nurses and PSWs have been denied time off for the past three years because of low staffing levels.
“We are asking those in the community that may be looking for PSW and RPN work to please come apply at Riverview Gardens, there’s a need for their services,” Kitchen says. “that is the answer that management is given us is the lack of PSW and RPN positions here within the home to grant the vacation.”
Kitchen says vacation entitlement is mandated under their collective agreement.
Staff rallied in front of the King Street West facility on Sunday to bring attention to the dispute.
“Our bodies are tired, our minds are tired, and our families need us as well,” Kitchen says. “Vacation is the law, and we’re here to put (management) on notice that we’re not going to stop here.”
Kitchen says the two sides spoke on the issue last week, but nothing has been resolved.
