Editor:
As a close associate of an employee of the Irene Thomas Hospice, I have first-hand knowledge of what the employees have been experiencing as their employment draws to a close.
I am appalled at the lack of compassion and even questionable competence being shown by their employer, the Delta Hospice Society. All hospice employees received a working notice of termination on the same day with the same conditions. This did not take into account the different lengths of employment, so that long-term employees did not actually receive even the minimal notice required under the Employment Standards Act, and there is no indication of any compensatory severance to be paid out.
Additionally, staff have not had their questions answered with regards to vacation time. Many staff have used vacation over the last year that they are just now hearing they might not be entitled to, the implication being that they would have to pay that monies back. Buildings are one thing, but it is the employees of the Irene Thomas Hospice, who have compassionately and skillfully cared for the dying in our community, that have made the Irene Thomas Hospice the facility it is.
Shame on you Delta Hospice Society for not treating them with the respect and compassion they deserve!
M. Connolly
