Workers at University Settlement hold different roles. Some work with seniors, others with toddlers. Some teach English, others financial literacy. Some run recreation programs, others make sure newcomers can find their footing.
But two things unite them: they pride themselves on serving their community, and they are in desperate need of a fair wage.
Last year, settlement counsellors worked with 2,765 new residents to Canada. Employment counsellors led 215 workshops while seniors workers offered 9,725 sessions to community elders. 403 music and arts students discovered a creative outlet.
These programs truly change lives. We need to support the workers who make them possible.
Settlement counsellors regularly find clients jobs that pay more than there own. Music instructors can earn double at other non-profits in the city. And while workers need to earn $40 an hour to keep pace with Toronto’s rent crisis, many workers at University Settlement bring home less than $25 an hour.
The City of Toronto and the Federal Government fund University Settlement. Send a message to City Counsellors, MPs, and the Board of Directors. Tell them they need to properly compensate these workers.
