Community Social Services strike actions continue in Victoria on Tuesday, October 30

Stop ignoring critical resource needs in underfunded sector, workers tell government

Rotating job actions are again underway this week in targeted community-based social services agencies, where workers are calling on government to provide the resources needed to improve their wages and working conditions.

Noon-hour protest

Striking CSS workers and their supporters in Victoria will be taking their protest to Minister Ida Chongs constituency office during the noon hour at 3930 Shelbourne Street, and will be joined by Health Sciences Association (HSA) members from Victoria Womens Transition House Society.

Picket lines

Members of the Hospital Employees Union (HEU) working in day programs at Crossroads Human Services and Kardel Consulting Services will be off the job.

In addition, HEU members working in supported independent living, parent support, employment services and day programs, as well as administrative services at Community Living Victoria (CLV), will be taking strike action.

Picket lines will be up at CLV ... 3861 Cedar Hill Cross Road ... from 8am until 5pm.

Members of the BC Government and Service Employees Union (BCGEU) working at the Inter-Cultural Association for Greater Victoria will also be going off the job.

Picket lines will be up at 930 Balmoral Road, Victoria from 8:30 am until 9:00 pm

Since 2004, the B.C. government has slashed over $300 million in funding for programs that support people with developmental disabilities, women fleeing violence, at-risk youth, infant development, new immigrants, and many other vulnerable citizens.

Workers say there are no savings to be found that can meet governments unrealistic cooperative gains mandate, as the sector has already been cut to the bone. Starting wages are lower today, at $15.54 an hour, than in 2002, when a starting wage was $16.83.

There are 15,000 unionized workers in the community social services sector, represented by BCGEU, HSA, CUPE, HEU, and five other unions, which together make up the Community Social Services Bargaining Association.

Essential services levels are being maintained. Further job actions will target agencies in the Lower Mainland later this week.

Keep in touch with your stewards and stay tuned to union websites for further updates.

Keep your contact information up to date

This email is being sent to all community social services members for whom we have email, as well as to all other HSA members in the Victoria area. Your solidarity and support at pickets or the noon hour protest (on your personal time off) are greatly appreciated.

It's important for us to be able to contact you. Please make sure your contact information is current.

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