Media Advisory - Rally - Stop putting the squeeze on community social services

RALLY
Thursday, September 13, 2012, 12 noon
Vancouver Art Gallery

VANCOUVER, Sept. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Community social services workers and their supporters are taking a strong message to the streets, demanding government put badly-needed resources back into a sector that is suffering from underfunding, cutbacks, and program closures.

In the past decade, the B.C. Liberal government has taken millions out of the community social services sector - cutting programs, closing group homes and allowing waitlists to grow at an alarming rate.

Enough is enough, say workers who provide care and support for women escaping abusive relationships, adults with developmental disabilities, immigrant families, youth at risk, infant development, and many others.

Community social services are the heart and soul of B.C.'s communities. It's time to protect and improve the services we all rely on in times of need, especially our most vulnerable community members.

Community social services workers - who are among the lowest paid workers in the public sector - are currently bargaining a new collective agreement. They are seeking a fair and reasonable settlement to improve their working conditions and the services they provide to British Columbians.

Rally speakers include Alanna Hendren (Executive Director, Developmental Disabilities Association), Darryl Walker (President, BCGEU), and Mark Hancock (Secretary Treasurer, CUPE BC). Speakers will be available for media interviews at the rally.

For more information, visit - http://www.cssfairdeal.ca/news/css_rally_sep13

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

Media Contact: Oliver Rohlfs [phone] [email protected]