vulnerable

"It’s time for government to ensure that stable programming and adequate staffing levels are available to meet the diverse needs of Saskatchewan people.” — Bob Bymoen, SGEU President

“MPPs across the province regularly refer constituents to their community clinics. What do they think they’re going to do when the clinics close their doors?"— Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“We’ll fight fear with fearlessness. We’ll stand together to win. We’ll unite for a fair Ontario.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“I commend all those who raised their voice to force the Minister of Education to reinstate funding to the school."  — Bob Bymoen, SGEU President

Community service workers are the epitome of hope: hope for a better future for those they serve; hope for a better world that values the worth of every person. 

The Ombudsperson's report confirms problems the BCGEU/NUPGE has pointed out for years regarding the long wait times and inadequate service levels experienced by the province's most vulnerable people when calling into the ministry's centralized phone system. 

“The Sask Party is making our most vulnerable residents pay for government’s mistakes.” — Bob Bymoen, SGEU President

"Can he [the Premier] honestly say that huge multinational corporations need the money more than Saskatchewan people who rely on STC?” — Bob Bymoen, SGEU President

“MSP helps some of Winnipeg’s most vulnerable citizens in their most desperate times. How can the government turn their backs on people so desperately in need of help?” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

“Our work is protecting society’s most vulnerable children. We can’t give each child the attention and care they need if we’re juggling more cases than we can handle.” — Nicole Dennison McLeod, President of OPSEU Local 459 

"We are calling on the government to honour the financial commitment and do the right thing for these workers, vulnerable young people, and all Manitobans.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

The National Union supports BloodWatch, a national advocacy organization, in its call for federal and all provincial and territorial governments to prohibit paid blood and plasma donations.

“The impact of these austerity measures will be felt far and wide — from the young to our elderly and most vulnerable. The public sector cuts, layoffs and closures are hitting our rural communities the hardest. Is this the stronger tomorrow we were promised?” — Jerry Earle, NAPE President

This Community Services Workers Appreciation Day, November 6, NUPGE is encouraging people to talk about the importance of these services and what can be done to reduce the tremendous pressure workers in the sector face.

Financial pressures, overflowing casework, increasing mental health concerns are just a few of the issues that will be addressed at the Community Service Workers conference. 

”Their work is physically tough, often mentally draining, and always vitally important." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

Social Impact Bonds “exploit the most vulnerable, poorest and others dependent on public services and the welfare state” so investors can make a profit. — Dexter Whitfield

Community Social Services workers are rarely in the public eye — although the problems they help solve are often in the news. BCGEU/NUPGE is taking steps to put a face on this important work in our communities. 

Workers and reps call for government accountability delivering promised funding.

“There are people who have been evicted from their apartments because the government rent cheque didn’t come through. I don’t think the Minister understands the magnitude of this. If she does understand, her hard-heartedness is off the scale.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President