BURNABY—Community Social Services workers deserve a fair wage increase that addresses the gap making us the lowest paid unionized public service workers in British Columbia. 

And that’s exactly what CUPE and other unions representing CSS workers will be seeking in the next round of bargaining.

Wage freezes have got to stop. CSS workers are falling further and further behind, and are now worse off financially than several years ago.

VITAL SERVICE--Pathways member Doug Elliott (centre) and CUPE 1936-04 member Tony St-Pierre (right), an employment counsellor and case manager, in the Pathways Information Centre computer room. More than 200 Downtown Eastside residents a day use Pathways’ services to help them seek or find employment.

VANCOUVER—Thanks to a short-sighted business model of the BC Liberals, a valuable service that provides job training, employment opportunities and communication resources for up to 14,000 Downtown Eastside (DTES) residents may be forced to close its doors as of March 31st.

BURNABY—In preparation for the next round of bargaining, CUPE has launched a short survey asking members who work in community social services in B.C. about bargaining issues.

The survey, which has been developed through CUPE’s CSS presidents, is based on a similar survey conducted in August 2009 in preparation for 2010 bargaining. CUPE is encouraging members to complete the survey.

“Our Collective Agreement expires on March 31, 2012 and CUPE is seeking a freely negotiated settlement that addresses the priorities of our members.

BURNABY—CEO of Community Living BC (CLBC), Rick Mowles, has had his last day on the job.

CLBC announced October 14, that Mowles had been dismissed from his position at CLBC effective immediately.

New contract improves job security and fair work practices

BURNABY—Community-based social service workers from the nine unions in the sector have approved their new collective agreements. The vote was 88 per cent in favour for General Services and 79 per cent in favour for Community Living Services.

The agreement improves job security and fair work practices for workers, such as bumping, job selection language and bullying.

New agreement improves job security, work practices in community-based social services sector

BURNABY—British Columbia’s frontline community-based social service workers have approved their new collective agreements.

BURNABY—Sunday, Oct. 16 a balloon rally in support of stopping cuts to community living programs across B.C. will be held at the Vancouver Public Library (350 West Georgia Street) at 11 am.

The grassroots, parent-led initiative to fight CLBC has organized this event to fight back against the cuts made to community living programs across B.C. They will have flyers on hand as well as a petition that members are encouraged to sign.

If you plan on attending please bring a helium balloon.

Vancouver City Council votes to increase transit support for Seniors and People with Disabilities

BURNABY—A motion to increase support for people with disabilities and seniors was unanimously passed by Vancouver City Councilor’s at the Vancouver City Council meeting October 4, 2011.

A recent report issued by Translink included an eight percent increase in support for the “conventional bus system” in the Lower Mainland over the next three years, but included no increased support in services for seniors or people with disabilities.

The “Moving Forward” plan al

MAPLE RIDGE—The BC Liberal government’s decision to terminate a supported volunteer program funded by Community Living BC is a poorly conceived cost-cutting move that only punishes society’s most vulnerable, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

The volunteer program, run by Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services, currently supports 28 clients referred by CLBC. The purpose of the program is to support adults with disabilities to participate and contribute in their community, through a volunteer placement in a non-profit agency.

BURNABY—The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) today released the Comprehensive Report and the detailed language changes in the tentative settlement.