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The Times Advocate, 2005-05-04, Page 22 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday, May 4, 2005 Regional wrap up Huron - Perth area hospitals facing cuts HURON COUNTY — As part of a plan to eliminate the $5.5 to $6 million deficit, three hospitals in the area are facing bed cuts, says the Clinton News -Record. Clinton hospital will have two beds cut from its origi- nal number of 19, Seaforth will see 16 beds cut from 34 and St. Marys will lose one bed. Andrew Williams, of the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, says there will also be fewer working hours allocated to staff, but he maintains this isn't because of the bed reduction. Huron County faces tax hike HURON COUNTY — A jolt of reality for citi- zens of Huron. According to the Huron Expositor, they can expect a 17.4 per cent tax increase this year. County Council recently voted in favour of the tentative increase by a vote of 11-7. Last year, the coun- ty kept taxes down by dipping into reserve funds. This year, the county will raise $29 million if the recommendation is approved. "Either we increase our taxes or we don't pay our bills," said Huron County Mayor Joe Seili. Labour disputes aired at meeting By Pat Bolen TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — Both sides of the South Huron Community Living labour dispute had the chance to air their points of view Monday night at a meeting put on by Canadian Union of Public Employees at the Exeter Public School. Jim Beattie, president of CUPE 3943, opened the meeting, say- ing it is impossible to live on the current wages and that Community Living workers make around 25 per cent less than those doing similar work. Beattie said the low pay means a high turnover of employees bringing a lack of consistency in service. Since the provincial Liberals have been in power, Beattie said wage increases have "flatlined." Fred Hahn, president of com- munity living Toronto, said simi- lar disputes have been resolved in other areas such as Guelph, Sarnia, Hamilton, Windsor and Durham "by employers working with the unions, not against them." Cyndi Brumaroff, vice presi- dent of Local 4370 in Sarnia, said the dispute was settled in Sarnia although the employer said there was no money. "When it came down to the end, he found money" said Brunaroff. "It's a matter of shift- ing priorities to find money." Asked by parent Donna Greb why CUPE 2597 doesn't regard group homes as essential ser- vices, Hahn replied it was a deci- sion for the government to make. "They think certain services are essential. They need to inter- vene to prevent labour unrest," said Halm. Greb said "I'm in the middle. You have to give respect to get respect and right now there is not much on either side. Greb added she would like to see the two sides "get together, get out of your sandbox and act like adults." In response to a question about reported gag orders imposed by the agency, Hahn said the union was focused on finding a settlement, "not on legal battles and the past." Former agency board member Rick Hundey said it is important not to forget "how valuable the staff is. We don't want anybody to think there isn't a good rela- tionship." Hundey added there is a 10 cent difference in the negotiating positions. "There is a pot of money for wages. Once it's spent, it's spent. You could win, but also lose." Hundey said it is a tough time to be negotiating since there are so many other services such as health, education and the envi- ronment seeking money. Hahn disagreed saying it is a perfect time to look for money if the other services are getting increases. He added the way the num- bers were presented complicat- ed the issue since the 10 cent figure included pay equity. CUPE representative Linda Thurston-Neeley said the provincial government "is a dif- ferent face than when it was running for office...we need to be there in the line. We're not here to fight agencies or the board of directors." In response to a question from a parent who asked " If you don't work it out, what will you do? I have a special needs child," Brunaroff replied, "that's a good question for the executive director (Community Living executive director Bruce Shaw). Shaw said no gag order had been issued, but "there was a cautionary note because it may come back to haunt you." According to Shaw, the two sides have agreed on every issue except salaries. "What are the costs we can afford with keeping the same staff?" said Shaw. If there is a strike, Shaw said the agency will maintain as much service as possible. "We have clients who need service. We don't want a strike. Replacement workers are the worst option, but it has to be done." Asked if there was no way to work through the dispute with- out striking, Hahn said "our position is it won't get better if we keep taking less." In response to a question where the Sarnia agency found the money for the settlement, Brunaroff said while she didn't have access to the information about where the money came from, "they found the money." Barbara Dunlop, chairperson of the CUPE 2597 bargaining committee said a mediation was scheduled for May 9. Speaking after the meeting, Dunlop said if nothing is solved in the mediation, a strike will probably be called May 11 or 12, but "there is always flexibility," and she was happy with the way the meeting had gone. Shaw said he felt it was a good meeting "with a lot of goodwill," and thought a strike would be avoided one way or another. With both sides in a position to strike or lockout, Shaw said the agency is weighing its options. Shaw added the meeting on Monday was to clarify the final positions of both sides and no new offers would be presented. Ceremony marks Frayne's closure By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — The end of an era in Exeter's business community was marked last Saturday afternoon. An impressive crowd gathered in front of Stan Frayne's General Store to attend a ceremony representing the business's final closure. Fifty- one years after the late Stan Frayne opened his store, his wife Marion, son David, daughter Janice Morris, Canada Post officials and local dig- nitaries helped close a chapter in Exeter's history. Huron -Bruce MP Paul Steckle called the closure a sad moment, but also a joyous one because it cel- ebrates the many years of service the Frayne family has given to the community. "Part of the community has been lost," Steckle said, thanking the family for their impact on the area. He also described the store as "home base" for Exeter's migrant workers, for whom Frayne's would order special goods. "The Fraynes were always our friends," South Huron Mayor Rob Morley said. "It's a shame that all good things come to an end," he added, but the family will never be forgotten. He wished them the best in the future. Bluewater Mayor Bill Dowson asked for a moment of silence for the crowd to reflect on what the Frayne family has meant to the community. Like the others, he described the occasion as both a sad moment and "a time to celebrate." He compared the closure to a death in the community. The closing of the store also marks the closure of the Hay Canada Post retail outlet. Canada Post communi- cations officer Tom Creech, area superintendent Linda Walker and Exeter Post Office lead hand Pam deJong were on hand to present the Frayne family with a special "can- cellation stamp" marking the fami- ly's five decades of postal service. Creech, a former Exeter resident, shared some of his memories of Stan (who died on the job in January), while Walker said Stan was "much more than a busi- nessperson. He was special ... This is a special day in the history of the Exeter area." Canada Post presented the Frayne family with a special "cancellation stamp" to mark the family's long-time service. Fifty-one years after the late Stan Frayne opened his General Store on Main Street, a special closing ceremony was held last Saturday for the store's closure. From left are Stan's wife Marion and their children David Frayne and Janice Morris. (photo/Scott Nixon) EXETER AUTO SERVICE CANADIAN TIRE WELCOMES BACK Jamie Parker CALL MOW to book all your automotive service needs 235-0160 EXT#232 Direct Line OR 235-0160 EXT#1 Ask for Harold EXETER AUTO SERVICE 100 Thames Rd. 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