We Are In Need Of Help

Published June 10, 2024, 6:39 AM

When are we, as Elderly Care Assistance are going to be treated better. Working under the Ministry of Social Transformation Human Resource Development (Grace Program) has been nothing but a headache.

Coming over from the Labor Department, I honestly thought being on staff could come with a raise of pay but that’s far from the truth.

Some individuals were made to wait 5-6 weeks before getting paid (a little grace period fine) while others were receiving one hundred and change – two hundred and change weekly. After inquiring as to why this was so, it’s either The Labor Department overpaid us by a week, and they were taking it back out of our pay or they don’t know.

The Ministry doesn’t even offer us Risk Allowance. Working in the homes of some individuals is far from good. Some would have rats, some roaches and even bed bugs. What’s going to happen when these things come home with us. Sometimes not even gloves would be available and not to forget that we have to be working with feces, urine, vomit and even blood.

Is traveling allowance not a good idea?

For example, you would receive a weekly salary of three hundred and change. Getting to and from work alone for those who would have to take a bus would cost around $60 per week which would leave you with a total of two hundred and change. Bills have to be paid, food has to be bought, kids have to be taken care of. How are we going to keep working like This? Doesn’t anyone care?

Now on to the issue of a Union. Apparently, we are supported by the ATLU. A meeting was supposed to be held with a representative and notice was given two weeks ahead of the date given.

Unfortunately, the day before the meeting a message was sent out saying that was venue was not secured and that was that. Up to this good day there has been no response in regard to having a meeting.

Am fed up. There are actually people working that love the job and are still here waiting for better treatment that seems like it’s not coming from anyone. We need help and we need it now.

Regards,

Am Tired

This story was first published by Antigua News on June 10, 2024 at 6:39 AM (Antigua time, UTC−4): antigua.news/2024/06/10/we-are-in-need-of-help. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Comments (1)

Donna June 10, 2024, 8:44 AM

It is time for Antigua and Barbuda gets it own pay scale. Being a nurse aide taking care of the elderly is not an easy job. These aides should be paid well including with risk allowance. Majority of these aides are women. Trying to move an elderly is like lifting deadweight. How can anyone feed their family and provide shelter over their heads on that salary especially if you’re a single parent? When the government raises the taxes, the ABST and other hidden taxes at the Custom Port, the minimum wage should have increases also.
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