FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 1998
Too many Albertans are "Missing Out on the Boom"
EDMONTON -- Despite their province's impressive economic growth, many Albertans are still suffering from stagnant wages and chronic job insecurity, says a report released today by the Alberta Federation of Labour. The report, entitled "Missing Out on the Boom," examines current trends in wages, job security, job creation and public services in Alberta. "Our study shows that many Albertans are not sharing in the benefits of the province's on-going economic boom," says AFL president Audrey Cormack. "While business people and professionals at the top of the income ladder are enjoying rising wages and profits, many ordinary Albertans are still having to settle for less." Among other things, the AFL study shows that average wages for people paid by the hour are 15 per cent lower, after adjusting for inflation, than they were in 1983. The report also shows that many of the new jobs being created in Ralph Klein's Alberta are not good jobs. Many are part-time or in sectors of the economy long associated with low wages and poor benefits. "This is the other half of the story on the Alberta economy," says Cormack. "It's the side people in government and business never talk about. But it still deserves attention." Cormack says she hopes the AFL Report Card draws attention to some of the important and alarming changes that are taking place within the Alberta economy. "We hope our findings will help stimulate a debate -- a debate that will lead to improved economic conditions for all Albertans, not just those who spend their time in corporate boardrooms."
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