Staffing shortages, already exasperated by a hard-hitting flu season, means some staff, particularly in health care, are already being told to anticipate being mandated to work over the holidays.

NAPE President Jerry Earle, who represents 25,000 of the province’s public and private sector workers, says they’re hearing about staffing shortages in health care every day, but also in corrections, the education system, home care and youth care, among other sectors.

With the flu and other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 making the rounds on top of pre-existing personnel challenges, Earle says it’s not uncommon to hear of emergency and nursing units and student assistants working short of full complement; while corrections officers are being mandated to do 24-hour shifts on a regular basis.

Every working person deserves time off, says Earle. But unfortunately health care does not slow down during the holidays, and oftentimes picks-up.

Earle says emergency rooms and long-term care facilities can’t simply close. Visitation increases, putting extra pressure on staff that are already short, and exacerbating the problem further.

It’s been a grueling 30-plus months for many who are unable to get a break and are already working additional time. Earle expects that to increase again over Christmas as NAPE is already hearing from members.

He says workers are being told by management, apologetically, to anticipate being mandated to work on days that were supposed to be holidays over the Christmas break.

That’s extremely concerning for Earle, who explains that it’s the one time of year they really want people to be able to get a break and spend time with family.