FAQ

What do community social services workers do?

Community Social Services are rarely in the public eye – although the problems they help solve are often in the news.

Community social service workers provide services to women, children and families, youth, people with physical or developmental disabilities and First Nations in towns across British Columbia.

Community Social Service workers...

  • work in residences and day programs for people with developmental disabilities
  • support families and youth in need
  • provide quality child care
  • support victims of violence
  • assist those with substance abuse issues
  • provide services for children with special needs
  • counsel and support immigrant families
  • provide services to aboriginal people
  • offer a range of services for women
  • support people dealing with physical and emotional abuse
  • work with those who are facing job loss, life skill and decision-making problems
  • support people with emotional and mental health challenges

How large is the sector?

There are approximately 15,000 unionized Community Social Service workers across British Columbia.

What are the problems in the sector?

In recent times, Community Social Services have suffered from cutbacks and inadequate government funding. In some areas, resources are stretched to the breaking point. In others, entire programs are closing. Waiting lists have grown at an alarming rate. And many workers are now dealing with unsustainable workloads.

In addition, low wages and deteriorating working conditions are creating a serious recruitment and retention crisis throughout the sector. Without adequate funding, agencies are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a stable, professional workforce – the key to quality support and continuity of service. At the same time, the economic crisis has increased demand for the vital services provided by community based social services agencies and workers.

Why are you asking for a fair deal?

The collective agreement for Community Social Service workers expired in March 2010. After over a year, there has been no real progress at the bargaining table. Negotiations with community social service employers broke off in December 2010.

Community Social Service workers deserve a fair deal, but are not being heard.
The Employer Association is asking for concessions at the bargaining table and refusing to negotiate a fair deal for CSS workers.

At this time of uncertainty, job cuts, and layoffs, employment security demands are the best opportunity CSS workers have to vital public community services.

CSS workers need better language in their contracts covering fair work practices and safe and healthy workplaces.

CSS workers remain the lowest paid in the broad public sector, and have received no pay increases in years.

Who is behind this website?

The Community Social Services Union Bargaining Association created this website. All unions certified by the BC Labour Relations Board to represent the 15,000 workers in the community social services sector are members of this group, which was created in June 2003 by the Community Services Labour Relations Act.

There are nine member unions in the Community Social Services Union Bargaining Association, including:

youtube