Town cuts staff

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Responding to COVID-19 has had its cost, as dozens of Strathmore town staff found out last week when they lost their jobs.
On April 15, the Town of Strathmore announced temporary layoffs for 62 staff. The impacted employees were working in roles affected by closures of recreational facilities and suspensions of community programs in response to the COVID-19 health crisis.
To limit the potential spread of the virus, the Town of Strathmore closed all town recreational facilities on March 16, and closed municipal offices and Strathmore Family Community Support Services to the public on March 18.
The town decided to make “temporary workforce adjustments” while facilities are closed and programs are suspended.
Many affected employees, who will continue to be supported through the town’s employee family assistance program, were working in the town’s recreational facilities, according to a press release announcing the layoffs. They will also be eligible for federal assistance in most cases.
According to the Town of Strathmore, affected services will be resumed “as soon as it is safe for employees and the public.”