MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial government announced details today about an investment of $12 million to increase the wages of human service workers.
“Your government respects the hard work, dedication and commitment of human services sector workers in caring for the province’s most vulnerable,” said Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Lisa Harris. “I am pleased we will be providing these workers with an increase in their wages.”
There are about 10,000 human services workers in New Brunswick, including home support workers, special care home workers, ADAPT workers, family support workers, family support workers for adults with a disability and community residence workers.
“I have seen first-hand the great care, compassion and dedication these workers demonstrate every day,” Harris said. “The increased wages will help the sector recruit and retain these hard-working individuals who care for our seniors and adults with disabilities.”
Workers in the human services sector will receive hourly wage increases ranging from 25 cents to $1 per hour as a result of this latest investment. The increase is effective April 1.
In 2016, the government invested $11 million to increase the wages of human services workers. This is in addition to the $30 million invested for wage increases for workers included in the ongoing pay equity agreement, which includes home support workers and community residence workers.
“For the past two years, we have been working alongside senior government representatives to recommend potential solutions to overcoming our recruitment and retention issues,” said Jan Seely, chair of the Human Services Coalition of New Brunswick. “Along with improving wages for existing staff, we are working on standardizing education and training, and creating a viable career path to recruit younger workers. This will go a long way toward achieving the sustainability of these essential services and we look forward to meeting these goals.”
Fostering healthy aging and support for seniors is one of the seven priority areas outlined in the New Brunswick Family Plan framework, which also focuses government action on: improving access to primary and acute care; promoting wellness; supporting people with addictions and mental health challenges; advancing women’s equality; reducing poverty and providing support for people living with a disability.
People can learn more about programs for seniors by visiting the provincial government website or calling 1-855-550-0552 to arrange for a review.