01.28
It’s a sad scene. A lot of people come over to Whistler from other countries, Australia, England, New Zealand, Germany, Quebec (I’m kidding about Quebec), etc. and they’re promised jobs. Not only are they promised jobs, but they’re promised full time jobs that will pay them an income that is sustainable for their journey and lifestyle here.
Well, the reality here is, it’s not so sustainable. People here are dead broke. They’re so broke, because they want (and rightfully deserve) a life when they come over here. Life is more than paying rent. Transportation, food, entertainment, internet, communication, etc. costs money and these are the luxuries we feel we deserve.
Intrawest pays their employees between $10 and $15 per hour while working here. In addition, Intrawest pays for their lift pass. If you’re lucky, you can get staff accommodation which is between $300 and $450 per month. It’s incredibly cheap, and that is great. If you don’t have staff accommodation, you’re looking at $450+. But this year seems to be different from other years.
Intrawest isn’t getting the business this year. Maybe it’s because of the economy. Maybe it’s because of the weather. It’s probably both. It’s probably a bunch of other factors in addition that I haven’t considered. Regardless, a lot of employees aren’t getting the hours they’ve expected.
Instead of 40 hours a week, people are getting 25. Instead of 30 hours a week they’re getting 18. Instead of 40 hours a week, people are getting laid off. Those people who get injured while staying here are screwed. I’ve seen several people be forced to go home this year from injuries. Previously, it was easier to find a desk, or stationary job that would allow someone with a broken ankle or torn a.c.l. or dislocated shoulder to work. That’s not the case now. If you’re out of a job from an injury, you lose your pass and you lose your accommodation. If you’re laid off, you can keep both, but you can’t find a new job, so what are you supposed to do?
I’ve just been watching it happen to so many of my close friends, it’s sad.
I’m not blaming Intrawest. I personally love Intrawest. Without Intrawest this would be a very different place. What I’m trying to convey is that there is a relative poverty problem within Whistler and the solution isn’t out of our hands.
How can we as Whistler residents rise over this problem of unemployment and poverty?
Please send your suggestions to nick (-a.-.t-) whistlerwatch.com . Please don’t leave a comment, I’m having technical difficulties at the moment. Also, please subscribe.
If you’re looking for a job.
Contact the Whistler Employee Resource Centre (WERC)
#204-1200 Alpha Lake Rd, Whistler BC V0n1b1
phone: 604-932-1600 or 1877-932-1611
fax: 604-932-1670