Policy Grievance Update: Substantially Altered Role of DCS Child Welfare Social Workers

Policy Grievance Update:

Substantially Altered Role of DCS Child Welfare Social Workers

(Social Worker 1-2 Role File # P-17-36) (Social Worker 3 Role File # P-17-35)

Arbitration Hearing Dates Confirmed

Nov. 13th & 14th, 2018

On April 12th, 2017, the NSGEU initiated two separate policy grievances on behalf of all Child Welfare Social Workers alleging that the classification had been substantially altered since the job description was agreed upon in 1996. Attempts were made to negotiate a new salary for Child Welfare Social Workers on May 8th and again on July 13th, 2017, without success.

Our policy grievances can be very clearly demonstrated by comparing the original job duties in 1996 with the current role of Child Welfare Social Workers. During this time the employer has implemented a series of continuous legislated changes involving new and revised policies, while at the same time, expanding responsibilities and accountability with increasingly complex cases requiring more expertise along with increasing supervision.

Additionally, the amendments to Bill No.112 (Children and Family Services Act), and the associated regulations and policy changes, have meant significant additional changes to your work.

Our grievance was referred to arbitration pursuant to Article 29.05 of the Civil Service Master Agreement and Ms. Susan Ashley has agreed to act as single adjudicator to hear both grievances on Nov. 13th & 14th, 2018.

Legal Counsel has met with a number of potential witnesses from the various work units throughout the Spring of 2017 and prep work continues.

We recognize this has been a lengthy process originally commencing on Nov. 25th, 2015. We thank you all for your ongoing support and assistance as we move forward together. Please watch for future updates.

If you have any further questions on this issue, please do not hesitate to contact your respective NSGEU Employee Relations Officer, by calling 902-424-4063 (toll-free 1-877-556-7438) or by emailing inquiry@nsgeu.ca.

Additionally, Paul Moore, a Social Worker with Child Welfare has been a main point of contact on this matter and can be reached by emailing Paul.Moore@novascotia.ca.