Workers call for action on community care crisis
VANCOUVER – Community social services workers will take to the streets tomorrow morning to press their employers and the provincial government for a fair collective agreement. Contract talks broke off March 30.
Representatives of the more than 15,000 community social service workers in 220 agencies across B.C. and their supporters will rally outside the offices of the Community Social Services Employers’ Association at 8 am. CUPE represents 2,500 workers in B.C.’s Community Social Services sector. We are the second largest union for social services workers in the province.
Delegates from the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union will march to the rally from their convention at the nearby Westin Bayshore Hotel.
Organizers say the rally will draw public attention to the deepening crisis in community-based services – low wages, layoffs, lack of job security and substandard working conditions have created a serious recruitment and retention problem. Service cuts and group home closures are impacting our most vulnerable citizens.
Community social services workers provide childcare for families, support children and adults with developmental disabilities, counter domestic and sexual violence, conduct parenting courses, assist immigrants and refugees, provide community employment training, deliver services to youth, coordinate housing for seniors, and assist people with mental health and addiction issues.
What: Rally for Community Social Services workers
When: 8am Thursday, June 16
Where: Two Bentall Building, 555 Burrard St
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