Some 674 Winnipeg city workers are facing layoffs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes staff from rec centers, pools, arenas and libraries — all facilities that are currently closed due to the crisis.
But not everyone on city council agrees with the move. Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood Coun. Kevin Klein says these workers should be reallocated, not laid off.
Klein said it’s about not contributing to the city’s already high unemployment rate because of COVID-19. These layoffs are going to hurt the economy, he added. [ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ] “It’s important to keep money flowing in and out of the system,” said Klein. “When we have people working and spending more, it keeps our