Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day November 6
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) will observe Nov. 6 as the first annual Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day in Canada.
The union is urging everyone to mark the occasion by taking time to appreciate the contribution these workers make to strengthen communities across the country.
The idea for the day, which will be celebrated annually, originated at a 2007 spring conference of community social service workers. It was envisaged as a day to focus attention on the importance of the sector to the well-being of the country and to acknowledge the contributions that these workers make.
-These members work hard to provide services that ensure a decent standard of living for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities," says NUPGE president James Clancy. "The work they do is critical but it often goes unrecognized."
To support workplaces participating in the day of recognition, the National Union has created a tool kit that includes ideas for local events, a draft municipal resolution to acknowledge the day, a colourful poster, information leaflets for local distribution and more. To access all of these resources, please visit cssworkerscare.ca.
The union is also adding a postcard campaign to complement events associated with Nov. 6 and to address the issue of dwindling funding for the sector and its spin-off effects on communities. All HSABC stewards in community social services facilities will receive a tool kit and postcards in the coming week to support efforts to promote the appreciation day.
-These workers have struggled with frequent government restructuring, underfunding, low wages and job insecurity, rising incidents of violence and a growing presence of for-profit providers," Clancy says. "Be sure to visit our web site. You can help workers plan the day and share their experiences in this vital sector."