The Job Search Workshop is a division of a Toronto-based organization called INTERCEDE, which is exactly what it does on behalf of the Rights of Domestic Workers, Caregivers, and Newcomers. Following is an account of how the JSW helped a woman at her place of work. Name withheld on request.
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I have been working in the Special Events field for almost seven months now. I started the job building and creating centerpieces while receiving $9 an hour.
Within the first week that I was hired my boss asked a professional draper to teach me how to drape linens. My boss appreciated everything that I did within that period so my salary was raised to $10 an hour but my work load increased as well.
In addition to building centerpieces and draping, my boss put me in charge of preparation and checking the supply that we needed for events. After four months of work I started to wonder about my future in the company and if I would have more options elsewhere.
I heard friends talking about INTERCEDE so I asked for the contact number and joined the Job Search Workshop. On my first day we discussed the importance of labour market research and I got a chance to share my worries to the class. I was encouraged by the facilitator to do more labour market research and express my worries to my boss. I started my research online and talked to other employees about their work, salary, and benefits package.
I waited for the right time and talked to my boss about my worries. I told him that I was thinking of moving on to another career and that I didn’t think I had a future in the company because of my low salary and lack of benefits. I explained to my boss that I had done labour market research and realized that I should receive a benefits package as well as an increase in salary.
I let my boss know that I loved and enjoyed my work but I needed a better salary and benefits package in order to care of myself. My boss then negotiated with me a better salary and benefits package. After the discussion my salary increased to $15 an hour with a basic benefits package and I will be eligible for vacation time and overtime pay.
Every six months my boss will review and evaluate my work progress and I will have the opportunity of receiving a salary increase.
INTERCEDE’s Job Search Workshop helped me a lot. It led me to a better understanding of the importance of labour market research and salary negotiation. Attending the JSW program is a good step because it will give you to a better understanding of the Canadian labour market as well as job search strategies, especially for those new to Canada.
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