The Canadian Director of the union Unite Here! Canada says hundreds of workers could permanently lose their jobs unless government extends the so-called “recall rights” of employees in hotels being used as quarantine centres.

Ian Robb says when the federal government commandeered hotels like the Pacific Gateway Hotel in Richmond – workers were laid off.

“In another three months, by March of next year, their recall rights will expire and they will no longer be employed and they’ll be terminated from their employment,” he said on the NL Noon Report. “All because the federal government didn’t open their eyes wide enough to see what the effects of trying to do something right, but leaving the workers behind again.”

Robb says the union was originally told the work at the quarantine centre was specialized, so the Red Cross was brought in to staff it.

But according to Robb – it turns out the work was standard cooking and some enhanced cleaning – something hotel staff have been trained up on and are doing in some other hotels being used as quarantine centres.

“Federally they’re just deaf to our requests and we’re not asking for much. We’re just saying okay if you’re saying it’s specialized we’ll take you on your word. But don’t allow this employer to terminate these people during a pandemic because of your contract with them,” Robb added.