New collective agreement language to improve social service workers’ health and safety
CUPE members who work in social services and community-based organizations are well-trained, compassionate individuals who are committed to delivering high quality services and support programs. They work with individuals who are in crisis and have challenging and aggressive behaviours, multiple diagnoses, and histories of violence.
All individuals deserve care and support, but those services cannot be provided at the expense of workers’ health and safety. Workplace violence and harassment should not be viewed as an inevitable part of the work that social service workers perform.