Joanne Azevedo has had enough. The Childrens Aid Society social worker, a member of CUPE 2190 in Toronto, says her workload is simply overwhelming. The mother of two typically works without taking breaks from about 8:30 in the morning to 7:30 at night, and she struggles with her caseload even when she brings her work home in the evenings and on weekends.
“As a social worker Im always helping children,” she says. “But lately I feel like Im helping with other peoples children to the point where mine are being neglected.”
Joannes situation is common across all sectors as layoffs, cutbacks, and contracting out have left employees with more work and less time to do it in.
Healthcare workers have less time to spend with patients, office workers take on more work while adapting to new computer technology, and maintenance workers are often asked to operate equipment without proper training. And theres no sign of this trend letting up.