I would like to file a formal complaint regarding the operational setup of the WorkBC office located in Prince George, specifically how appointments are booked and the punitive measures enforced on people trying to access government services.
It is a concern that WorkBC is abusing this punitive measure to skew the numbers to make it look like they are doing more than it really is and to profit from the recycling of people through the system. It is my understanding that WorkBC is an independent contractor that gets paid by the "unit" or person. By repeatedly putting the same person through the system over and over again they may be getting paid multiple times to perform redundant tasks. If this is the case, they are profiting from this punitive measure.
If WorkBC does not profit from having the same person go through the orientation process over and over than why do it? It is bloating the system and creating an additional and unnecessary work load and causing unneeded frustration upon many.
Yesterday I managed to get in to the orientation portion of the WorkBC program again as somehow they magically were able to squeeze me in the next day. Seventeen minutes into the orientation after being shown where the fax machine was etc, a late arrival was ushered into the orientation meeting that was nearly over. Just the day before I was told I would have to reschedule a month later after only being five minutes late. I was flabbergasted over this blatant, in my face, whimsical enforcement of rules.
ll I want is timely access to government programs and I feel that WorkBC is stifling that access, making it more difficult and frustrating for people to acquire government services that they can only get with the cooperation of WorkBC. I would like to suggest a revisiting of sending people seeking assistance through redundant measures. I can understand the frustration it may cause WorkBC if they have someone continually missing appointments but punishing everyone in this manner is not conducive to helping people in need get access in a timely manner to services.
Jamie Robinson
Prince George
