Businesses struggling to find and retain qualified workers amid widespread labour shortages
From concrete finishing to heating, cooling and mechanical labour, local businesses say they’re struggling — not just to find qualified workers but retain them as well.
According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 55 per cent of small businesses are affected by labour shortages.
One of the hardest-hit sectors, experts say, is restaurants.
Aside from big-name fast food joints, local eateries such as La Rucola, Salt Sushi and Armando’s all have jobs posted online for local recruitment.
But according to Dave Deluzio, executive professional at Roseland Golf and Curling Club, they are not seeing the same amount of people applying as they previously would.
For applicants they do make the cut, however, Deluzio adds they bail on the opportunity shortly after being offered a position.
"We've had people qualified for the job. They seem excited and then, after a couple of days, they decide the job isn't for them.”
In response, some employers are promising incentives.
"If we find some kids with a bit of ambition, we will pay for the schooling, their gas licence, whatever it may be. We help them with all of that,” said Grant Higginbottom of Syles Mechanical.
“We are looking for sheet metal workers, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and electricians. We’ve been looking for everybody.”
Meanwhile, Bonduelle is looking to hire both seasonal and full-time workers by offering a $1,500 signing bonus in hopes of attracting more applicants.
In the public safety sector, Windsor police is looking to recruit people by setting up booths at community events.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.