The City of Sarnia is paying big time for absent workers.
The total direct costs for absenteeism in 2015 amounted to $2.6-million.
The numbers shocked Councillor Cindy Scholten Monday.
"5.1% of the payroll! That's amazing," says Scholten. "Seeing that clearly you've [staff] spelled it out that we need experts, we need the software, the right people to train and you're implementing this through existing compliment is wonderful."
City staff say since 2011, long-term disability premiums have increased by over 200% and are estimated to increase another 20% in 2017.
"What I'm looking for and see in this report here is a better support system for employees with physical and mental issues while they are at work," says Councillor Bev MacDougall.
Short-term premiums have doubled since 2011 and are expected to increase by 18% in 2017 and WSIB costs (including police) have risen steadily from $975,000 in 2011 to over $1.7-million in 2015.
Council has referred $66,000 in spending to the 2017 budget to implement a disability management program, which will include creating a disability management coordinator.
The position will be created within the existing staff compliment.
