Community social service workers in B.C. rallied on the steps of the legislature March 8, pressing their demands for wage and benefit parity. They chose International Womens Day because the overwhelming majority of these workers are women with few benefits, earning $4 to $8 per hour less than other social services workers.
More than 3,200 CUPE members, including 850 from the Hospital Employees Union, have been at the bargaining table for one year, jointly with 6,500 workers from the BCGEU and 800 from the Health Sciences Association.
They have been inviting allies to wear a rainbow ribbon as a symbol of support for the work they do, the people and families they support and the communities they serve.