St. John’s, NF – The union representing child care workers at two St. John’s centres says the current wage subsidy model is working well and should not be changed.
CUPE, which represents staff at Daybreak Parent Child Centre (Local 3017) and MUN Campus Childcare (Local 4554-01), is wondering why the funder would want to re-invent the wheel on something that works.
CUPE National Representative Wanda Power says, “There was a confidential review carried out in recent years on the wage supplement and before government makes changes they should again hold confidential consultations with recipients of these supplements to see what they think about possible changes in delivery.”
Power says the current process involves certified ECE’s making quarterly application, with the employer having to verify and sign off on the hours worked. Payments are then made on a quarterly basis.
CUPE National Equality Representative Michelle Cohen says, “In other provinces there has been much concern over delivery of the monies when it has gone through the employers. In some provinces a percentage of monies intended for ECE’S has been withheld by the employer as an administrative fee and in other cases withheld to go towards professional development at the employers’ discretion.
“While no one is suggesting that would happen in NL, there are lessons here to be learned,” adds Cohen.
For information contact:
Wanda Power
CUPE National Rep.
Tel: (709) 753-0732, (902) 802-5800
Michelle Cohen
CUPE Equality Rep.
Tel: (902) 455-4180
John McCracken
CUPE Communications Rep.
Tel: (902) 455-4180