News & Events
Home Support Association wants pay increase and other changes
October 17, 2008
Times & Transcript Staff, Page A9
The New Brunswick Home Support Association wants its needs to be met during the next round of provincial budget consultations, so it's speaking out now.
"There's a competition for resources," said Rick Hutchins, project consultant for the association, when asked why it's important to communicate early with the government, in advance of the spring budget.
The association hosted an event at the Ramada in Moncton yesterday afternoon and the room was full of people from that industry -- including many home-care workers -- along with provincial government employees.
The discussion involved changes that need to be made in the industry and recommendations that will be made to government.
The recommendations are based on the report issued by the Home Support Worker Labour Force Adjustment Committee in January 2006.
That report presented a number of recommendations aimed at improving recruitment and retention in the province's home support industry.
Subjects touched on in the report include scope of work, training, working conditions, benefits, pay, scheduling and workplace health and safety.
After yesterday's session, Hutchins was asked what the most important issues are for the association.
Without hesitation, he answered pay equity with the other provinces.
According to information handed out at the session, New Brunswick workers are paid approximately $9 an hour to provide home care to seniors and other people who require it.
That ranks last in the country and the association wants it increased to $12.
Hutchins also said it's important that level of training be tied to a fair market wage.
Another issue that sparked discussion during the meeting was how much workers are compensated for mileage, with the high price of gas.
There was general agreement that changes need to be made to how that is calculated.
Hutchins said the main desire of almost every senior is to remain in their home and home care workers allow that to happen.
That prevents seniors who need care from taking up beds in hospitals, which can be expensive for the Department of Health.
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Source: http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/search/article/451501
