Community Social Services: Job action likely even as CSSBA returns to bargaining table
Public rally on Sept. 13 in support of community social services
With a strong strike mandate backing members demands for a fair deal in General Services and Community Living Services, the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) will meet with employers on September 17 and 18.
Potential job action is likely without a change in governments restrictive so-called -cooperative gains" bargaining approach. It dictates that all public sector workers must find -savings" in their collective agreement to fund any wage increase.
Currently, the bargaining association is pressing the last employers to complete their essential services levels, which must be in place before unions can commence any job action.
The bargaining association will keep you informed of any job action after the negotiating team meets with the employers.
Earlier this summer, members in General Services voted 85 per cent in favour of strike action, and members in Community Living Services voted 90 per cent in favour. Strike votes are now underway in Aboriginal Services after talks broke down on August 17. All three are part of the community social services table.
On September 13, CSSBA will hold a public rally at noon in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Everyone who is available is encouraged to attend, and to bring friends and family to demonstrate a strong show of support for our bargaining issues and the services we provide.
Additional activities are also in the planning stages.
In the broader public sector, the BCGEU has initiated three regional strike actions over the summer for direct government workers, with solidarity support from CSSBA unions.
Members are asked to keep in touch with their stewards and stay tuned to their union websites for further updates.
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