SISO lays off all staff

Hamilton’s beleaguered Settlement and Integration Services Organization has issued temporary lay off notices to all staff.
In a press release, board spokesperson Yaser Haddara said SISO was forced to lay off all staff when the bank refused to extend its line of credit for the January 7 payroll. He said the bank stated they were not given proper authorization by Citizen and Immigration Canada.
“We cannot have people working here without the board knowing they will get paid,” Haddara stated.
Staff were notified of the layoffs Thursday afternoon and were immediately let go.
Haddara explained that not-for-profits sometimes experience gaps between funding and payroll responsibilities, so typically use a line of credit to cover the shortfall. SISO uses its credit line with authorization from CIC. In this case, he stated CIC did not give permission and the bank would not put forward the money needed to pay staff.
Haddara said SISO is in contact with CIC and hopes to resolve the situation soon. The Spectator has contacted CIC for comment.
A notice on the organization’s James Street North office said it was closed, but hoped to reopen in a couple weeks. Managers are available to help clients and answer questions.