Joint Declaration
Fourth Annual Development Service Worker Appreciation Day
January
20, 2010, marks the Fourth Annual Developmental Service Worker
Appreciation Day. Since first marking this day in 2007, unions and
employers have come together to celebrate the contribution that
developmental service workers make to the lives of individuals and
their communities.
Developmental service workers expect that this
recognition be reflected in a commitment to improving compensation
and raising the profile of this vital work. The value placed on
developmental service workers reflects the value that society places
on supporting individuals who have an intellectual disability.
The government has initiated a process to develop a
new HR strategy intended to address sector issues including the
retention problem within this sector.
It is important that government, employers and
unions come together to seek solutions that will improve services
and support workers to stay in the field.
We urge the government to recognize that additional
educational and training opportunities will not have a significant
impact unless workers are competitively compensated and supported to
make developmental services a career choice.
Today we take the time to thank and recognize the
difference that workers make in the lives of those with
developmental disabilities. You provide the bridge to social
inclusion to people who you support across this province and we
thank you.
We celebrate the commitment and professionalism of
developmental service workers who provide daily, compassionate care
in agencies across this province.
Signatories
Warren (Smokey) Thomas President OPSEU
Fred Hahn CUPE President
Brian Young President OASIS
Download Signed Declaration
