Local solutions to labour shortage available
There is about us what might be considered a somewhat strange and even paradoxical phenomenon in this much stated poor economy. What is it one might ask? Well, we have a pronounced shortage of workers in many categories, most particularly the trades and service sector.
In the former, namely trades, a considerable number of present tradespeople are approaching retirement. That alone would not normally constitute a problem. Where the difficulty arises, however, is in there being no available replacement workforce. One need only speak to the various contractors, construction companies and the like to gain a full appreciation of this existing and soon-to-be more pervasive problem.
A variety of reasons are cited. Ever stated is the outmigration to the west and north for higher paying jobs. It is only natural for individuals to do so. Yet, when one hears that people must do this because of there being a lack of work here, does that then necessarily ring true? There is, in fact, much work. The difficulty is that it generally pays less. How much less is a matter of debate when one considers the relative living costs of leaving as opposed to staying. Another and likely even more significant factor is the social cost of dislocation on families and the like.
In the service sector, the workforce shortage is more immediate. Homes for Special Care are having a very difficult time in recruiting workers. Cooks, cleaners, LPN’s, etc., are in short supply. One such home in Glace Bay has made it known that it could hire up to 50 new workers immediately. Despite its efforts, they are not to be found.
These accounts are not mere anecdotal. They are conclusions based on every proper measure of the empirical evidence. If one does want to plunge into the realm of anecdote though please consider how often difficult it is to find someone to do some repair or renovation type work?
The issue then is how are we or, more particularly, how might we address this matter.
In the mid to long term there is a more integrated and anticipatory job training regimen. Here, there are presently successes. The Nova Scotia Community College stands out in this regard.
Next is a more realistic approach by businesses to at least close somewhat the wage gap between here and elsewhere. Wage parity is illusory but there is room for improvement. Equally, employee expectations should be in keeping with this area and what constitutes a good living wage here.
In order to plug the immediate gap we must be more open to immigration. If ever there is an example of how having more people will create increased economic activity it is here and it is now.
Finally, we must take a long hard look at curtailing the growth and demands for more from the public sector. An economy driven by an excessively staffed and paid public sector cannot sustain itself. Ours is in this category.
We have home-grown solutions. We needn’t wait for the dream of the big mega project to land.
David Delaney Albert Bridge