Mayor of Qeqqata Municipality, Malik Berthelsen, denies that foreign labor is displacing local labor in the municipality. On the contrary, there is such a shortage of employees that both public institutions and companies are dependent on labor from outside. He encourages Naalakkersuisut and Inatsisartut to listen to the real needs of companies rather than the debate on social media.
The debate on foreign labour has flared up again after that KNR has written about naalakkersuisoq Nivi Olsen’s (D) wish for tighter controls on foreign workers.
At the same time, Pele Broberg from Naleraq has proposed that foreign workers should be able to stay in Greenland for a maximum of four years. But Qeqqata Municipality’s mayor, Malik Berthelsen (S), does not share the view that Asian labor in particular is helping to push local employees out of the labor market.
– I do not share the view that the influx of especially Asian labor in recent years has led to a displacement of the local workforce, writes Malik Berthelsen in a press release.
He emphasizes that the recruitment of foreign employees takes place on the basis of specific needs in both society and business.
Cannot cover the need with local forces
According to Malik Berthelsen, there are not enough labor market ready people available for the companies in Qeqqata Kommunia to cover their needs through local recruitment alone.
At the same time, the mayor assesses that the opportunities to find work are good for citizens who want to find employment.
– It is my opinion that anyone with a desire for employment has good opportunities to find work in our municipality, which fortunately is reflected in the citizens’ increasing tax payments, says Malik Berthelsen in a press release.
Warns of consequences for companies
Malik Berthelsen points out that without the necessary workforce it can be difficult to maintain operations in several industries.
– Otherwise, it is doubtful whether the retail trade and the restaurant industry can be kept open in relation to market demand, or whether the fish factories can run their export production full time.
For Malik Berthelsen, the question is therefore not only about how many foreign workers come to Greenland, but also about how society ensures sufficient employees to maintain the necessary functions.
The municipality has recruited employees from Asia
The need for labor is also felt in the municipality’s own institutions. According to the mayor himself, Qeqqata Kommunia has had to recruit employees from Asia because it has not been possible to find enough suitable candidates locally.
The municipality has recruited five employees for the daycare centers in Sisimiut and five for the nursing home in Maniitsoq.
According to Malik Berthelsen, the feedback from the institutions has been positive, and the new employees have contributed to easing the pressure on the existing staff.
– The feedback from the relevant institutions shows that these employees contribute to a significant relief, which is of great benefit to both the other staff and the target groups.
He particularly emphasizes the need for employees in care and care, where the lack of hands makes it difficult to get everyday life together.
Calls for Naalakkersuisut to dialogue with the companies
In the political debate, there has been a focus on how foreign labor affects the opportunities for local workers.
Malik Berthelsen believes, however, that the decisions should be made on the basis of the companies’ concrete experiences and needs.
– I therefore encourage Inatsisartut and Naalakkersuisut to talk to companies about the real reasons for the need for foreign labour, rather than being led by a debate in social media, he writes.
At the same time, he calls for recognition of the importance of both local and foreign employees to society.
– I therefore believe that we should show great gratitude to both foreign and the local workforce, who together drive the Greenlandic economy and ensure care for our target groups, says the mayor.
