It’s happening again. They’re all leaving.

Summer staff are jetting back to school, back to somewhere warm, or maybe to a ski hill to continue their adventure.

Interestingly this year, more so than any other year (though this may have more to do with the people I know rather than a reflection of the town) many people seem to allegedly have been mysteriously fired days before their bonus is paid.

I’ve told so many people this year to call the authorities and hold business owners accountable. It breaks my heart, after I’ve told people to come here, live here and work here. It seems to create a headache for many. 

Last time I checked, you can’t just fire someone for making a mistake. And, if you do, you’d better pay them a week’s wages.

But I think it’s the bonuses that really make my mind boggle.

When the summer begins and there’s so many jobs up for grabs, employers fight over staff – hoping to get the best employees.

As I live in a transient town, or so people keep telling me, to keep staff employers offer them a bonus. “You’ll receive 50 cents an hour for each hour at the end of the summer,” they explain.

“When does summer end?” I always wonder. 

Meanwhile, for a five month term, eight hours a day, that little ‘bonus’ can be enough to buy a ski pass, a flight somewhere, or maybe pay rent for a month. 

So as summer comes to an end, and the employee begins to plan their next adventure – as everybody finds it hard to find work in Jasper in November, especially full time, sustainable work – they notice they’re a little low on funds.

“Thank God,” they think as they remember their bonus that should be coming any day now.

Not too sure when the bonus will come, but trusting their employers faith, they wait eagerly for each pay cheque hoping to see an extra big number.

For them, it’s like Christmas in November.

But then, the businesses slow down.

Like a pussy cat waiting to pounce, the moment an employee screws up, makes a mistake, turns up a little late – even if it’s for the first time this summer – they’re gone.

“We’ll no longer be needing you,” they say.

Meanwhile, the ‘transient’ employee is left with no job, no real understanding of labour laws in Canada, and no bonus. 

Did I mention the employee lives in staff accommodation, and as they’re no longer employed they no longer have a home?

While I’ve never personally fallen victim to a situation like this, I know people who have. People who leave Jasper tainted by illegal, unprofessional, irresponsible business owners who’re looking nowhere but at the bottom line.

If you can’t pay someone a bonus, because it’s a hard year for everyone, then it’s best you don’t say you can. It’s not just a hard year for business owners, but everyone – I think we all get that. 

I know plenty of small business owners in this town who do more than their fair share of looking after their employees. It’s funny really, as they tend to be the ones with the good employees, the faithful ones, the friends and the ones that actually create more business by being happy and friendly at work.

I know it’s not the “norm” but either way, it’s a terrible smear all over such a lovely place to live.