The staff of Mariposa Gardens in Osoyoos held a BBQ Friday to draw attention to the ongoing staffing concerns at the facility.

Debbie Kamal Ali the HEU Negotiator provided ODN with an insight on their concerns.

The second collective agreement with the P3 owner/operator Baybridge-Baltic Properties expired Dec 1, 2015; and they are in negotiations now with another round scheduled for April 18th.

Recruitment and retention of staff continues to be an ongoing problem which negatively affects the quality of care being offered.

Debbie Kamal Ali states, “since December 1st, 2015 there have been 3 bargaining days with management however, neither side has come to a conclusive plan on resolving the concerns. Some of those issues that the HEU members would like to address are the shortage of care aids, house keepers, nurses, and laundry personnel. The shortage of staff has effected the present 125 people who work at the facility with claims to WCB regarding work injuries and overtime demand. All we are hoping for is a fair contract for everyone.”

Photo and story by Derrick Robson