West Kelowna

The president of the BC Government Employees Union (BCGEU) wonders how Pine Acres Home, an intermediate care home for seniors, can operate in a safe manner.

Photo: Contributed

This after the employer, Westbank First Nation, issued lockout notice to 77 workers Friday morning.

The notice takes effect Monday morning.

"The Westbank First Nation needs to give serious consideration to the potential for risk and disease because of the lockout," says BCGEU President, Darryl Walker.

"They need to put the care of these seniors first and foremost. And, they need to withdraw this lockout notice and return to the bargaining table."

The lockout notice affects laundry, housekeeping, kitchen, dietary and reception staff.

All LPN's and care aides will remain on the job.

Walker says WFN is seeking 'sweeping' concessions from the workers, including a $4 an hour wage cut, large reductions in vacation time, sick time, cuts to benefits and the elimination of a pension for new hires.

"These experienced and dedicated workers provide quality care. Instead of a fair and reasonable offer from the employer, they are being told to accept massive cuts to their salaries and benefits," adds Walker.

"This also creates enormous instability for the seniors and elders and their families. Stability and continuity of care is crucial to seniors' well-being."

Walker says the union believes there are many efficiencies at Pine Acres that have not been explored.

He says these efficiencies would provide better care for those who call Pine Acres home and those would be more than sufficient to fund a fair and reasonable settlement with the workers.

Walker says many of the affected workers have been at Pine Acres for decades.

WFN has not returned our call for comment.