Staffing shortages plague businesses in Yellowknife
CBC
The ability to get fried chicken in Yellowknife has been severely compromised by the labour shortage affecting the territory.
A quick search on the infamous "Yellowknife Rants & Raves" Facebook page highlights the plight of people trying to get their hands on some dirty bird citing the early closures, non consistent hours and lack of communication when the store is shut down.
And it is a problem that is not unique to Kentucky Fried Chicken.
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"I think it's universally felt — the shortage, and it's fairly evident and obvious everybody's heard of that," said Mark Henry, vice president of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.
"Businesses are just simply short of skilled and capable people to do the necessary work."
"Help Wanted" is a common sign spotted in the N.W.T. as several industries are facing staffing shortages across the territory.
If you walk around Yellowknife you will notice businesses around the city are reducing their hours, implementing temporary closures and asking customers for their patience as businesses operate with fewer staff than usual.
Levi Jones started his contracting business, Side Jobs Contracting, during the pandemic as a way to generate income, but said he could easily hire another 30 positions if they could find the people.
"We are definitely understaffed and I think most people share that problem here," Jones said.
Obstacles of having a full-time staff is a mixed bag, according to Jones. Some workers "have a hard time showing up" and recruiting southern candidates can also have its own problems.
"In the North, housing seems to be a big issue right now — even if we can find the guys, it is difficult for us to find a place to put them," Jones said.
Overlander Sports manager Jordan Crosby said it has been challenging to get full-time staff as he noticed a significant drop in resumes after the pandemic was declared, but acknowledged other factors.
"It's pretty expensive to live and go about your daily lives … It's not so uncommon for a staff member to say, 'Hey, I got a job with the Government or the mine and it pays this much and can you match it' and unfortunately, that is more than what I make as well," Crosby said.
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