Dear Sisters and Brothers:
As we do before every National Convention, CUPE will hold a social services sector meeting at the Vancouver Convention Centre on October 30, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
CUPE social services workers across Canada are experiencing an increased demand for social services programs and supports. At the same time, many community social services agencies are experiencing the negative effects of chronic government underfunding. In some jurisdictions, governments have attempted to freeze workers’ wages.
Legislative changes, underfunding, and the push to privatize programs and services are eroding a sector already pushed beyond capacity. The current climate has contributed to increased concerns about recruitment and retention of qualified staff, workload, burnout, and erosion of workers’ wages. We are also experiencing tougher bargaining.
Delegates will discuss trends experienced across the country and share strategies to address the many challenges impacting workers, supported individuals and their families, and the provision of quality public services.
