Saskatchewan projects show how Social Impact Bonds investors can cherry pick
Both projects sponsored by the Saskatchewan government show how Social Impact Bonds can be structured to exclude those who are hard to help.
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Ontario moves ahead with community services privatization scheme
What’s needed is for governments to provide community services with adequate funding. And a first step would be to ask the wealthy and large corporations to pay their share of taxes — instead of allowing them to profit from the misfortune of others by investing in social impact bonds.
OPSEU members at Valoris deliver strong strike vote in support of quality services, fair pay
“The last thing we want to do is go on strike. But we need to send a very clear message: we will stand up for the services we provide." — Carl Brisson, mental health worker and Chair of OPSEU Local 426’s Valoris bargaining team
Ottawa CAS workers vote to strike to stop contracting out and precarious work
“We definitely do not want to go on strike. But this strong strike vote shows that we’re not willing to let the employer reduce the quality of the services we provide by contracting work out." — MicheleThorn, OPSEU Local 454 Bargaining Chair
By unanimous vote, legal professionals join OPSEU/NUPGE
“When you get a unanimous vote on unionizing, it’s a great harbinger of success. Solidarity is key to achieving a great first contract and future contracts.” — Kareen Marshall, Chair of OPSEU/NUPGE Community Agencies Division
MGEU members at Family Dynamics ratify new agreement
New collective agreement provides improvements for MGEU/NUPGE members.
Associated Youth Services of Peel workers give union strike mandate
"Strike action is never the first choice, but AYSP staff have shown they will do what is necessary to reach an agreement." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Shelters of the Future: A national conversation
The conference will be a chance for community partners, policy makers, researchers, activists, survivors, and others to engage with the shelter sector.
Maison Fraternité finds a home in OPSEU
"They’ve chosen OPSEU/NUPGE because it’s the union best equipped to defend and advance the interests of mental health workers who, in turn, give their all to equip vulnerable individuals with the means to participate fully in the community." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
BCGEU calls for reinvestment in services as Seniors Advocate releases report
"This report provides more evidence that austerity policies do nothing to improve the lives of British Columbians." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President
B.C. government provides new Overdose Emergency Response Centre, more staff to step up crisis response
Over the last 12 months, the BCGEU/NUPGE has consulted with members across the province to hear about how the crisis is affecting them, in particular, the mental health impacts for frontline workers who act as first responders.
Update on air quality for NSGEU members working at Port Hawkesbury Addiction Services office
NSGEU/NUPGE working with employer to address air quality conditions.
10th annual Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day
“Our goal will be to make sure politicians cannot claim ignorance when confronted with the appalling damage cutting community service funding has done.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President