CYF Workers to Take Strike Action Over Christmas

“Members of the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) working for Child Youth and Family (CYF) are undertaking strike action to commence before Christmas,” said NUPE organiser Lynda Boyd.

“This action has come after a two day strike in October of this year” said Lynda Boyd. “Members are committed to achieving their claim of significant percentage wage increases for all occupational groups. NUPE members do not accept the current offer made by CYF which delivers less then the rate of inflation.”

“Many administration staff who are on the frontline facing families who have had their children taken away from them, earn little more then the minimum wage, starting on less then $10.50 per hour. The offer made to CYF social workers is half that which has been offered to social workers in the Health Sector. It is because of these wage injustices that NUPE members are fighting. The wage suppression of at least the last ten years needs to be corrected.”

“Action will commence on Friday 23rd December at 5:00pm. It will involve members imposing a ban on after hours duty and will continue indefinitely. This will mean no NUPE member will be available for crisis intervention over the Christmas period”

“When the Prime Minister receives a salary increase of almost one and a half times some of our member’s annual salary, it adds insult to injury for these low paid workers,” said Lynda Boyd

“It is time for the Government and Child Youth and Family to recognise the crucial role these workers play in our community. Christmas is a time for giving. These workers are giving a great deal everyday – it is time this was reciprocated through a significant pay catch-up from CYF through increases in Government funding.”

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