Pass money meant for raise on to workers

Wednesday August 23, 2006

Halifax – Michele Raymond, MLA for Halifax Atlantic, has written to the Minister of Community Services, Judy Stretch, on behalf of a group of workers in her riding who say money given to their employer, Metro Community Living, by DCS to provide a raise for them has not been passed on.

“My constituents, and other employees, have waited more than five years to receive wages that are due,� said Raymond in her letter. “I would be grateful for any information you can given about what steps will be taken to ensure these workers’ salaries are paid in full.�

The workers, who are current and former employees with Metro Community Living in Raymond’s riding, say that the DCS intended to fund a wage increase to $13.70 per hour from $12.50 per hour effective on April 1, 2001, but that they did not receive any such increase during the year of April 1, 2001 to April 1, 2002.

An audit into the situation has been completed and a second audit is in progress. Raymond has asked the Minister for the results of these audits.

“I understand the Department is also awaiting advice from the Department of Justice as to its legal position in this situation,� said Raymond.

“I raised this issue with the Minister during budget estimates this year and with her predecessor. Frankly this isn’t the first time that the Department has contracted out services and failed to keep an eye on the contractor to ensure proper wages are paid to workers doing the Department’s work.�

“Most agencies who do this kind of work for the Department do pass money along that is meant for wages, but every now and then one doesn’t and the only way the Department will know that is by keeping closer account of where the money is actually going.�’

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