Community social service workers committed to strike
Frontline community social service workers across British Columbia have given their bargaining committee a strike mandate of 85% in Community Living and 77% in General Services. The vote follows more than 18 months of protracted contract talks that broke down on March 30.
“This strike vote comes at a time of deepening crisis in community social services,” says James Cavalluzzo, bargaining association chair. “We are seeing group home closures, cutbacks in agencies that serve women in crisis, families, people with disabilities, children with special needs and many others who rely on these community-based services.”
At issue are increased layoffs, job security, and a chronic recruitment and retention problem. “This seriously impacts the quality of care and support we are able to provide to some of our most vulnerable citizens,” says Cavalluzzo.
Download the full press release (May 30, 2011).
