Media Advisory - Community-based social service workers go on strike - Rally at Christy Clark's MLA office tomorrow at 10am

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Oct 15, 2012, 19:27 ET

BURNABY, BC, Oct. 15, 2012 /CNW/ -

WHAT?

15,000 community-based social service workers across B.C. will be in a position to strike as of October 16, 2012;
Job action begins with a rally on October 16 at 10am in Vancouver.

WHO?

Community-based social service workers are the caring professionals who support people with developmental disabilities, at-risk youth, women fleeing violence, First Nations, and other vulnerable members in our community;
On Tuesday, workers from several Lower Mainland community agencies who serve people with developmental disabilities and support women and children facing violence will be on strike and rallying in Vancouver.

WHEN / WHERE?

WHY?

Vulnerable families are last on the B.C. government's list of priorities. Since 2004, the government has cut $300 million in funding for programs for the developmentally disabled, vulnerable women, at-risk youth, First Nations & more
Community social service workers are caring professionals, but government cuts are making their jobs harder and putting services at risk.
In 2002, the starting wage for a residential care worker was $16.83. Now it's $15.54. With inflation, that's a wage cut of a fifth.
We are calling on the government to stop putting the squeeze on community social services, and to give a fair and reasonable wage for the workers who do the most with the least.
Tomorrow's strike action in Vancouver will be followed by job action in Kamloops (Oct. 17) and Prince George (Oct. 18).

SOURCE: B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union

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