For immediate release:  December 7, 2012
 
Caring professionals from not-for-profit agencies that support vulnerable families on the North Island will be on strike Monday, December 10.

Community workers want to send a clear message to the B.C. government: stop putting vulnerable families last!

Since 2004, the B.C. Liberal government has cut $300 million in funding for programs that support vulnerable families, the developmentally disabled, at-risk youth, and children and infants in community-based programs across the province.

On December 6, Canadians will once again pause to remember the importance of taking action against violence against women and girls.

The date was declared by Canadas Parliament in 1991, in commemoration of the December 6, 1989 Montreal Massacre.

On December 3, the world recognizes International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is calling on all levels of government in Canada to make full participation in society for people with disabilities a policy priority.

People with disabilities already make a considerable contribution to our society but they could do so much more if the barriers to their participation are removed.

Come join 2000 delegates to the BC Federation of Labour convention to call for fairness for all workers:

DATE:

Wednesday, November 28

TIME:

noon -- convene between East and West Vancouver Convention buildings, 1055 Canada Place

noon-12:30pm -- march to Vancouver Art Gallery

The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) reviewed the employer's latest offer.  Although a wage increase is included in the offer, it is tied securely to a corresponding "offset" (cost savings) from the collective agreement.  The offset is matched by the employer to provide the wage increase.  There is no guarantee built into the proposal that the wage increase will not be eroded in the future by increases to the cost of the provisions where the 'savings' were proposed.

70,000 B.C. health care workers are still without new collective agreements

Its time for a fair and reasonable deal.

Speakers:

• Jim Sinclair & Irene Lanzinger, BC Federation of Labour
• Darryl Walker, President, BCGEU
• Bonnie Pearson, Secretary-Business Manager, HEU
• Reid Johnson, President, HSA

Where:

• Vancouver Art Gallery, North Side

When:

How do we work together against violence in health care workplaces? For the first time ever, the annual international conference to counter violence in the health sector is taking place in North America.

More than 470 participants from around the world have gathered at the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Richmond to hear from experts and take part in workshops at the Violence in the Health Sector ... Linking Local Initiatives with Global Learning conference.

Summary

• High profile targeted strike action by community social service workers took place in Vancouver, Kamloops and Prince George last week, with considerable public support and excellent media coverage;
• Political action also took place today at Social Development Minister Moira Stillwells office in Vancouver;
• Further targeted job action will take place late this week, with details to be announced.

Last week

Over the next few months, various organizations will be offering election campaign training. HSA members may apply for Political Action Fund support to attend election campaign training which is: