Negotiations for Community Social Services are heating up as the CSS bargaining committee countered the employer’s wages and compensation offer last week. The committee understands that CSS members want to prioritize protection against the rising cost of living.
There is still significant work to do at the table to achieve a fair and equitable compensation package, including wage increases, as both sides are far apart in their proposals.
Talks are also focused on meaningful recognition of the rights of Indigenous workers across all three subsector collective agreements - Community Living, General Services, and Indigenous Services.
Community Social Services is the only public sector with a specific subsector collective agreement for Indigenous Services. These workers support individuals, children, and families in communities across the province in roles including family preservation workers, social workers, counsellors, support workers and much more.
The CSS bargaining committee is prioritizing reaching an agreement that fully recognizes these workers and brings them parity with their counterparts, specifically those who are directly employed with the provincial government in non-Indigenous agencies.
The committee is scheduled to be back at the table for more talks this week. Progress is being made on shared priorities, including improvements for safer and healthier workplaces, better mental health supports, and recognition of the diversity of our members. But the committee is going to continue to fight hard for a compensation package that recognizes the value of CSS members.
Click to see all Community Social Services bargaining bulletins