Who We Are
A synopsis of what has been accomplished, what is hoped for, and why you should support this effort.
A Long Road Toward Recognition
Many HSCs have been hoping to be better organized for well over 25 years. Here is what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done.
The revival of serious efforts to become better organized began in 2011 with a collaborative process with government to examine the community-based service sector.
This sector employs nearly 12,000 workers throughout NB, of which HSCs number approximately 2,500–3,000 in residential, ESSP, attendant care, and family support agencies.
Wages in this sector are recognized to be among the lowest in Canada for similar work. Between 2002 and 2012, Social Development's budget increased 50% while our sector received increases of 20% in some areas and nothing in most others.
Government now acknowledges that employees in this sector are indispensable for the provision of both social and health services.
A high-level provincial steering committee was formed in 2015 as a forum for engaging government on quality of practice and fairness in working conditions.
Some investment has been made in the sector — unprecedented in recent budget cycles — increasing wages by $1.00–$2.00/hr in some areas of employment.
The sector is now recognized to be comprised of two distinct occupations: Human Service Counsellors (HSCs) and Personal Support Workers (PSWs).
The HSC occupation is now a voluntary certifiable occupation under provincial legislation and regulation, expected to bring more credibility, better wages, and a meaningful career path.
Much more still needs to be done to improve fairness in working conditions and basic wage rates. Essential to this effort is a democratic, self-funding, bilingual provincial employee association.
Employer-driven Pay Equity Coalition efforts resulted in 2–3 pay increases. We deserve no less — join us. Together we can make a difference!