Social Service workers vote in favour of job action to fight for fair wages and work-life balance

Social and centre service workers across the province are voting in favour of job action.

CUPE Local 600 says 94 percent of members have voted to take up job action, including a full withdrawal of services.

The union says the key issues on the bargaining table are wages and hours of work.

Currently members are working eight hour shifts, six days straight, with two or less days off, working a mix of day, evening and night shifts.

The union says members are reporting fatigue, health problems and mood issues. Member add this is causing them to take sick days and work overtime to cover others.

CUPE is proposing a move to an 12-hour shift model, which is the standard throughout the health authority, saying this would not cost the employer extra money and could end up having savings in terms of reducing overtime.

The union is not yet in strike position and will not be until essential service negotiations take place, which is expected in the near future.

CUPE Local 600 represents almost 385 social and centre service workers across the province.

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