After reading the Sept. 30 Advocate, We need Alberta solution for shortage of workers, I have to voice my opinion.
We need not have to fly people from halfway across the world.
I own a small auto body repair shop here in Red Deer County. I have been in business for over 10 years but I am worried how much longer I can hang on due to the drastic shortage of skilled labour.
Sadly I believe the answer for some of us small businesses sits just a few hours south of our border with the United States. I visited two well-known shops in Las Vegas earlier this year and asked them if they too were having problems retaining skilled staff. This really took them by surprise, as one person said they had a list of people wanting jobs as long as your arm.
I have seen on American TV that for every job posted in the U.S., there are at least three qualified workers wanting that job.
This is good for those businesses as it keeps productivity at a competitive level (workers compete to keep there jobs).
Can it be that hard for our government to tap into this valuable resource? Or will they drag their feet until hundreds of small businesses roll back services and increase prices, or even close there doors.
Does the “Alberta Advantage” mean business owners have to beg people just to give them a job?
I have been advertising for just one position since February with minimal results.
Employees these days are basically putting themselves on an auction block and going to the highest bidder. This puts smaller businesses at a great disadvantage!
Trevor Shane Comfort
Red Deer