PCs aim for 24-hour snow clearing but face staffing shortages

Challenges in Filling New Snow-Clearing Positions in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Progressive Conservatives may face difficulties in filling 50 new positions for the promised 24-hour snow-clearing service on some of Newfoundland and Labrador’s busiest highways.

Service Start and Current Vacancies

Transportation Minister Barry Petten expects the service to begin in one or two weeks. However, Jerry Earle, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE), states there were already many vacancies before this promise was made.

Earle told CBC News, “It’s going to be a challenge to get those positions filled.” He added, “One thing we have a challenge with, and we’ve known it for some time, is retaining the public sector employees we have.… And when you add more, that [is] going to be a challenge.”

Government Commitment and Job Openings

In November, the newly elected PC government promised to spend $3 million to implement 24-hour snow clearing. This includes 25 new full-time and 25 new part-time plow operator positions.

Transportation Minister Barry Petten mentioned that the government is still working to fill these 50 new jobs. “We’ve got 44 successful … people that we’re looking [to] hire,” Petten said. “We’re getting that done as quickly as possible.”

Application Process and Regional Shortages

According to department spokesperson Melony O’Neill, the province received 180 applications for these jobs. However, only 90 met the minimum qualifications, and 44 advanced past screening.

O’Neill stated that interviews, road tests, and driver abstract reviews are ongoing, and the department expects onboarding to start soon. However, she noted that the eastern region, from Whitbourne to Gander, is still short on applicants.

Only one applicant was recommended for hire in that region, and positions will be reposted to continue recruiting.

Optimism and Existing Staff Support

Despite not having all positions filled, Petten remains optimistic. He stated that existing staff will fill in the gaps. “We’ll still provide service in the 14 routes we identified. We’ll just be on an overtime basis with the existing staff we have,” he said.

Recruitment and Retention Issues

Earle pointed out that recruitment and retention have been ongoing issues. He mentioned low compensation as a problem, noting that municipalities like St. John’s offer better pay.

“Retention in the public sector, and in these particular professions, have been difficult for some time,” Earle said. He added that addressing these issues will require collaboration between the union and the government.

Compensation Concerns

NAPE president Jerry Earle emphasized the challenge of filling all new snow-clearing positions. Petten acknowledged that compensation is below average. “The elephant in the room is the salaries. And I hear that often,” he said.

Although Petten is not on the committee that negotiates wages with the union, he stated that compensation will need to be considered in future negotiations. “I think that’s something that needs to be brought to the table,” he said.