Whether it’s excessive workloads for frontline staff or inadequate services for people with addiction or mental health issues, many of the problems discussed in the report can be traced back to the failure of federal and provincial government to adequately fund social programs.
"Our newest members care deeply about the children, families and community they serve." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President
NBU/NUPGE call for the government to enact paid leave for victims of domestic, intimate partner or sexual violence is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Both projects sponsored by the Saskatchewan government show how Social Impact Bonds can be structured to exclude those who are hard to help.
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.
“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
“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
“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
New collective agreement provides improvements for MGEU/NUPGE members.
"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
The conference will be a chance for community partners, policy makers, researchers, activists, survivors, and others to engage with the shelter sector.
"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
"This report provides more evidence that austerity policies do nothing to improve the lives of British Columbians." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President
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.
NSGEU/NUPGE working with employer to address air quality conditions.
“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
