TWOSE employees laid off after flood to receive grants from union

The union representing workers at Telus World of Science Edmonton (TWOSE) has created an emergency fund for impacted members after it was announced that the facility would remain closed until November.

The union representing workers at Telus World of Science Edmonton (TWOSE) has created an emergency fund for impacted members after it was announced that the facility would remain closed until November. The main floor at TWOSE was flooded during a major rainstorm last week. On Wednesday, TWOSE posted a notice announcing it would be closed until at least November while repairs are completed.

CEO Constance Scarlett said the closure resulted in the temporary layoffs of 147 staff, or about 68 per cent of the centre’s employees. On Friday, Civic Service Union 52 (CSU 52) announced a $175,000 relief fund for the impacted workers. “In these less-than-ideal circumstances, we feel it’s important that our union steps up to support our members through the financial setback of temporary layoffs,” president Bryce Jowett said in a news release.

“Nothing can replace the stability of ongoing employment, but emergency financial support can certainly help alleviate a challenging and unanticipated setback like this.” The fund will provide one-time grants to eligible members who were laid off or experienced an unpaid interruption of scheduled work as a direct result of the flooding. Part-time employees are eligible for $1,000 while full time employees can receive $1,800.

TWOSE is one of six bargaining units represented by CSU 52. According to the union, 180 of its members were either full-time or part-time employees of TWOSE.