This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
“Why reduce the numbers of staff who are experienced in helping children and youth?”
Halifax (13 March 2012) - The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) is very concerned about how the loss of 17 Youth Care Worker positions at the IWK Health Centre will affect the services being provided to children and youth in need.
According to NSGEU President Joan Jessome, “We have no problem with the IWK seeking to reduce wait lists and improve access to care to help achieve better mental health care for children and youth. But we have to question a significant cutback in the number of Youth Care Workers who have been providing important services. How will care be improved with the loss of so many of these positions?”
Jessome also wondered why these positions couldn't be included in the expansion of day treatment programs and community-based care if these directions are now more appropriate. “Why reduce the numbers of staff who are experienced in helping children and youth?”
“We understand this so-called Models of Care approach will actually result in fewer services being provided for fewer hours and days of the week. We also question what community services will be available to provide the services. Haven’t we already learned about the human and social consequences of not having the appropriate community services in place as happened with deinstitutionalization of adult mental health services 20-30 years ago?”
NSGEU/NUPGE is further concerned about how much these cuts will contribute to cost-savings for the IWK. “With possible cuts to administrative staff as well as Youth Care Workers,” Jessome concluded, “we have to wonder how much these cuts are driven by potential cost-savings for the IWK and the government.”
NSGEU/NUPGE represents approximately 1,450 employees at the IWK Health Centre, of whom 83 are Youth Care Workers.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good.