Payment issues at Vermont Old Age Home

KNYSNA - Vermont Old Age Home has once again come under scrutiny, this time due to the underpayment of its staff for the month of April. Over 30 permanent and semipermanent employees claim that they have not received their full salaries, despite continuing their work to ensure the smooth operation of the home for the benefit of its patients and residents.

According to reports, this issue of underpayment is not new for the staff at Vermont. They state that it has been an ongoing problem since 2022, stemming from unresolved internal administrative issues within the organisation.

A staff member said underpayment puts a lot of pressure on the employees, particularly on those who are single mothers.

"The issue of underpayment at Vermont influences us as staff negatively as the majority of us are mothers, single mothers, who have to make do," she said. "We work with a budget, and when our salaries are not paid to us in full, we cannot do what we need to for our families. Despite not being paid in full, we still have to show up to work and take care of residents, as is our duty.

“This issue causes a lot of problems among staff."

Several staff members have also highlighted clashes in management between the new and old board of Vermont, leading to various issues within the organisation.

The promised date for full payment was reportedly set for 4 April, but according to sources at Vermont, the payments have not been received as expected.

The current interim board members of Vermont have acknowledged the maladministration that has been ongoing under the old board's tenure.

However, there has been no response from the old board of Vermont or representatives of the Department of Social Development at the time of publication, despite attempts to reach out for comment.