NLIS 5 March 30, 2001 (Human Resources and Employment) Social assistance clients remain priority In the event of a strike, social assistance clients will continue to receive their cheques, and other services provided under the social assistance program, Gerald Smith, Minister of Human Resources and Employment said today. "We all sincerely hope that this labour dispute can be averted, but if it goes ahead, priority will be given to our social assistance clients," said Minister Smith. "There may be delays in service because we are functioning with minimal staff, but we ask that our clients be patient with us." Because of staff shortages some offices are closed. However, clients can easily access services by simply calling their local HRE office. Calls will either be forwarded, or message managers will inform clients about how they can receive service. The list below provides details: AVALON REGION: Phones will be forwarded during the rest of the week, so please call the
local office if you need CENTRAL REGION: WESTERN REGION: LABRADOR REGION: The Happy Valley-Goose Bay office will remain open and serve coastal Labrador communities. Wabush will remain open and serve Wabush, Labrador City and Churchill Falls. All other offices are closed. Human Resources and Employment will continue to receive, but not process, any new applications for employment programs which include: NewfoundJOBS, the Student Work and Services Program (SWASP), Linkages, Employment Generation, Seasonal and Graduate Employment. The department�s career information services, provided through the Career Hotline, will not operate in the event of a strike. Media contact: Marcia Porter, Communications (709) 729-4062. 2001 03 30 4:15 p.m. |
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