The Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) issued a warning regarding a potential labor shortage for private snow and ice management/removal companies this upcoming winter season, due to long-standing low-labor availability in the United States and Canada, coupled with continued COVID-19 outbreaks and the upcoming Influenza season.
Snow and ice management business is difficult work, often with long hours and non-standard shift times. These professionals brave the snow and ice each year to clear a safe path for driving patrons and walking pedestrians at commercial facilities, medical facilities and hospitals, gas stations, educational institutions, industrial sites, and much more.
“This season there is an increased risk of a shortage of a healthy workforce ready and willing to participate in this tough work,” said SIMA CEO Martin Tirado, CAE. “COVID-19 and standard Influenza may cause a larger-than-normal loss of labor hours and people during certain periods of the winter season, and may impact the ability of professional snow and ice management companies to conduct the work they are tasked with during strong and often severe winter storms.”
The snow industry is seeking individuals who aren’t afraid to work, can brave cold temperatures, and are interested in earning quality pay while doing work that keeps the economy open and citizens safe during and after winter snow and ice events.
SIMA encourages anyone seeking work to consider reaching out to their local landscaping and snow contracting firms and inquiring about seasonal winter work.