A joint comittee of government and the public sector union NAPE has been formed to address stress, workload and other issues faced by social workers.
Children, Seniors and Social Development Minister Brian Warr and NAPE president Jerry Earle announced Wednesday the committee, which is in response to the January 2020 NAPE social work survey.
Representatives from the department and NAPE will work together to address issues identified by social workers, including safety, stress and workload, according to a news release.
“We welcome the minister’s commitment to work with our union and our front-line social worker members to address the multitude of concerns, obstacles and issues this highly skilled and dedicated group of workers have," Earle said in a news release.
"Social workers give so much of themselves to contribute to a better life for others. This work takes a tremendous emotional and physical toll. They are struggling, and they need help. We are hopeful that this commitment and process will lead to positive change, not only for them but for those in their care and our province as a whole."
NAPE officials met Warr and his executive last week and the first committee meeting is anticipated to be held this week.
Social workers who want more information or wish to share information with committee members can contact NAPE servicing representatives Kelly Roche at [email protected] or Andy Parsons at [email protected]
"We look forward to working with NAPE to quickly identify and implement solutions," Warr said.
