Alberta disability sector calling for wage increases amid high turnover rate

Those in the disability sector in Alberta say they’ve been completely neglected without funding increases for years, adding passion is the only thing keeping them going.

Dale Cena has worked in the disability sector for 16 years but now finds himself advocating for those in the industry. He says since 2014 wages have pretty much stayed the same.

“An average disability worker makes about $18.76 per hour. There has been a wage increase within those eight years of 17 cents,” said Cena.

However, the cost of living has risen 15 per cent in Alberta during that time.

Workers in the disability sector say they’re now experiencing a staffing crisis, fueled by high turnover rates and burnout, with employees leaving the industry in droves.

“The hundred people a year here are leaving and we’re needing to replace those,” said Ryan Geake said executive director of the Calgary SCOPE Society.

Geake says it’s heartbreaking to see staff leave out of necessity because stability is so important for people who are disabled.

“So many staff go through their lives because of the turnover so it’s harder and harder to keep our promises to them, and our promises are important because they deserve a good, big life just like all of us.”

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Coordinator Jacqui Burnham says there’s a complex skillset needed in the sector.

“So when we have workers that are working substandard wages, then does that not reflect an attitude toward those that we’re working with to try to create inclusion?” Burnham asked.

A petition by Alberta Disability Awareness In Action is calling for a 25 per cent increase to wages. It has thousands of signatures so far.

Alberta’s Minister of Seniors, Community, and Social Services, Jeremy Nixon, says work was being done to address turnover rates.

He tells CityNews a grant was provided in February to address the issues, adding he is “looking forward to reading that report and getting up to speed.”

“We need action now. We can’t continue any further,” said Cena.