Job uncertainty.
On Friday, all the Home Carers who work in our Shire, would have received a letter from our employer, Southern Cross Care Vic. A month or so ago we had been told at a staff meeting, that the Shire council contract was up for renewal, but as the client base have been happy with the service, SCCV didn't think they would lose the contract. Well, they were wrong. Still, at least they'd warned us. Another company will take over the contract from 1st October. The letter states the primary reason for the selection of an alternative provider was based on financial grounds, and not a reflection on the quality of services provided by SCCV.
There is to be a staff meeting tomorrow (Monday) at which our supervisors and senior management staff will discuss the outcome of the change. The way I see it, we (the carers) may have two choices. We might be able to continue to be employed by SCCV in another area outside of our Shire (that is, if there is enough work). Or, we could apply for a job with the new company, and hope that we can retain our current client base. We've been told that this is the most likely scenario, but there is no guarantee.
I am angry. REALLY angry. How dare the Shire of Nillumbik council make this kind of decision based on financial reasons? What about the clients - elderly and disabled people who have got to know and trust their carers? I bet the Powers That Be in the council have never stopped to think about how it feels to need the services of strangers to bathe, dress and feed them in their own home. I hate the idea of a complete stranger coming into my home and doing all that. Not to mention the housework, shopping, etc. I will attend this staff meeting tomorrow. Depending on the outcome, I will be contacting the new service provider to find out more about my employment options. I will also be writing to our Council and the local paper (possibly even the national paper) and voicing my anger and disappointment over the decision, which will adversely affect so many people. Once again, the Money God has come before care and compassion, and I'm on the warpath.
There is to be a staff meeting tomorrow (Monday) at which our supervisors and senior management staff will discuss the outcome of the change. The way I see it, we (the carers) may have two choices. We might be able to continue to be employed by SCCV in another area outside of our Shire (that is, if there is enough work). Or, we could apply for a job with the new company, and hope that we can retain our current client base. We've been told that this is the most likely scenario, but there is no guarantee.
I am angry. REALLY angry. How dare the Shire of Nillumbik council make this kind of decision based on financial reasons? What about the clients - elderly and disabled people who have got to know and trust their carers? I bet the Powers That Be in the council have never stopped to think about how it feels to need the services of strangers to bathe, dress and feed them in their own home. I hate the idea of a complete stranger coming into my home and doing all that. Not to mention the housework, shopping, etc. I will attend this staff meeting tomorrow. Depending on the outcome, I will be contacting the new service provider to find out more about my employment options. I will also be writing to our Council and the local paper (possibly even the national paper) and voicing my anger and disappointment over the decision, which will adversely affect so many people. Once again, the Money God has come before care and compassion, and I'm on the warpath.
posted by Gina E. | 5:44 pm
2 Comments:
People just don't care anymore. They haven't given a second of thought to what that change will do to the clients. They are the ones who need consistency and now the ones they depend on will be gone.
Makes me mad, too. :(
Oh Gina,
I hope things work out. It's so sad that people just don't care. How did that happen? Keeping you in my thoughts.
HUGS,
-Patty
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