The union which represents more than 220 workers at NL Housing says compensation needs to keep up with the private sector in order to retain and recruit the workers they need.

Jerry Butler of CUPE Local 1860 says his members are dedicated to serving the public and he’s not surprised by the recent findings of Auditor General Denise Hanrahan.

He says their ranks have shrunk over the years due to a variety of factors.

He cites policy changes, including the closure of NLHC’s Modernization and Improvement Program. Now, instead of continually improving homes, they’re dealing with issues as they arise. “What is happening here recently,” says Butler “is we just put out fires more so than maintain.”

Butler says at one time, workers sought out the stability of a job with NLHC, but the salaries offered have not kept up with the private sector.

“We hire people, good people, well trained and experienced people, and what happens is we get them here for a little bit, they realise the lower wage…and they end up jumping ship – going someplace that is better paid (and) where there’s less stress.” He says they deal with people who are vulnerable. “Nobody calls us because they want to; it’s usually in need, and we’re here to help that need. It makes a lot of our employees frustrated when their hands are tied by policy.”