Winnipeg woman let go from job at hospital by text message while in COVID-19 isolation with her children
A Winnipeg woman is voicing her frustration after she says she was let go by text message from her new job at a hospital while isolating with her children who had COVID-19.
Sarah Coey said she was offered a new position at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) as a CT Clerk on Dec. 23. However, after her first day on the job on Jan. 4, one of her kids tested positive for COVID-19 and therefore had to isolate for 10 days as they're under the age of five and can't be vaccinated.
As her kids' primary caregiver, Coey said she had to stay home as well. She said she told her manager about the situation after learning about her child's positive test.
"At that point, she was okay with it and she let me be home with my child and take care of him," said Coey.
As the isolation period was ending, Coey said her second child also tested positive for COVID-19. Because they have one dose of the vaccine, they were also required to isolate for 10 days.
"Again I'm her primary caretaker, so I had to be home for 10 days," she said.
Coey said she again informed her manager over text about the situation, but the response was not the same as the first time.
A text message to Sarah Coey from her manager at HSC that says she is being let go after she had to isolate twice with two of her kids who tested positive for COVID-19. (Source: Sarah Coey)
"Hi Sarah. Unfortunately this does put us in a terrible bind. We need to get someone trained ASAP. So at this point in time I think the best thing to do is release you from your position," her manager said in a text message on Jan. 14. "Sorry this is not great news but once things have gotten better maybe there will be another opportunity. Thank you."
Coey said she was shocked to receive the text message noting that when she was first hired, everyone was excited to have her join the team.
"You'd think HSC and Shared Health, they know all about COVID protocols and what it is doing to families and health-care workers. I didn't find any compassion."
After being let go, Coey said she talked with human resources about the firing, but added it got her nowhere.
"They basically, no matter what I said, they basically told me the manager has the say," she said.
Coey said she has not heard anything else from HSC or Shared Health, but continues to look for a new job within the health-care system.
"My whole intention was to help out because there is so much stress put on the health-care system right now."
Debbie Boissonneault, the president of CUPE Local 204 – the union that represents health-care support workers, said she was appalled when she heard that Coey had been let go over text while in isolation.
"I understand that they want someone to be trained on the unit. They did hire her, this is beyond her control," said Boissonneault.
She added if Coey gets in contact with the union, they can talk to the employer on her behalf.
"To say, 'You're penalizing her because she is a parent. You hired her because she had qualifications to do the job. She wants to work within the facility and she was hoping, you know, that she could see some lenience here on you holding her position.'"
Boissonneault said she has never heard of anyone being let go via text, calling the situation "out of the ordinary."
CTV News has reached out to Shared Health about Coey being let go over text while isolating with her kids and a spokesperson said they would not comment on an HR matter.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.