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June 18, 2015, is Developmental Services: Worker Appreciation Day in Ontario.
Toronto (18 June 2015) — Communities across Ontario are celebrating the important work of caring for and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) congratulates its 10,000 developmental services workers across the province that provide professional care to people with developmental disabilities through programs designed to enrich their lives in every way possible.
Need for planning and long-term investment in services
This is more than a job, it’s a vocation. And yet, the largely female-dominated workforce is marked by predominantly part-time work with poor benefits and no pensions.
The Liberal government’s one-time injection of $810 million spread over three years sounds like a lot. The reality is that over decades a systemic lack of planning and investing in services for people with developmental disabilities has brought the system to this crisis point. These recent investments, while greatly needed and appreciated, have just put out the fire...for now.
Calling for improved services and good jobs in sector
OPSEU/NUPGE will continue to defend and advocate for a publicly run, not-for-profit system of services that supports sustainable, decent jobs that will bring stability and much-needed quality of life to individuals with developmental disabilities.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 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. NUPGE