Yukon union slams use of agency health staff, but hospital corporation says it's needed for now

The Yukon Employees' Union is criticizing the Yukon Hospital Corporation's use of agency workers to staff health-care jobs in the territory. 

The union represents about 400 employees at the hospital corporation.

Union president Justin Lemphers said data from an access to information request showed that over the last four years, there's been at least $20 million spent on agency staff for the hospital corporation. That's concerning for the union's members, he said.

"They see a workforce that's treated as though it's disposable," he said. 

He also said pay for unionized employees like lab techs, and X-Ray techs tops out at $47 an hour. But the information his union received showed the same employee hired through an agency could make anywhere from $60 to $120 an hour.

Lemphers acknowledged the data also isn't clear about how much money goes directly to that agency employee, versus to the agency itself. 

Agency workers also often have their travel and accommodation covered and receive per diems, Lemphers said. 

Lemphers said he's also concerned about the impact flying up southern workers has on northern communities. 

"You also have less of a community connection," he said. "They may not even understand how the workplace functions, and may need more support. And if that's constantly happening, then your capacity as a caregiver is diminished because you're constantly educating someone else.

"That could really harm relationships with people that have lost trust in medical systems over generations," he added.

Lemphers also noted there's a shortage of health care workers across the country, but said he knows there's qualified workers in the territory. 

Whether the hospital is paying those workers enough is another question, he said. 

"We certainly want to make sure that we have a sustainable health-care system that benefits Yukoners and keeps everyone safe."

Relying on agency staff necessary, but not ideal

Jessica Apolloni, a spokesperson for the Yukon Hospital Corporation, agreed that the costs associated with agency staff are "significant."

She said not relying on agency staff to fill immediate staffing needs could result in temporary closures of essential services. 

"It's really important that we ensure that essential services remain uninterrupted."

As for pay, Apolloni said it's a difficult point to address. 

"Directly matching rates is a complex topic," she said. 

She acknowledged agency rates are higher, but they also include costs to the agency that don't go directly to the workers. 

She also pointed out unionized hospital employees get benefits, like a pension and education support, that agency workers don't. 

Apolloni said she hasn't heard from staff directly and was not aware if the hospital had contact with the union directly since the complaint from Lemphers was made. 

Despite that, she said the corporation is actively working to reduce its reliance on agency staff.

"While agency staffing is not ideal, it is a necessary measure to ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our community especially when staffing options are limited," she said.