OPEN LETTER: Support for Native Courtworkers’ Strike Action
Dear Premier Clark and Minister Anton:
We are writing to express our full support for the employees of the Native Courtworkers and Counselling Association of British Columbia (NCCABC) in their current strike action. We call on the Province to address the current wage disparity that exists and ensure Native Courtworkers receive fair and equitable wages in line with the critical services they provide.
It is our understanding that the primary issue in the strike action is wage parity and funding shortfall. Both the NCCABC employees and the organization itself are in agreement that this unique situation has arisen as a direct result of the ongoing underfunding from the provincial government. As you are aware, the Courtworkers are paid approximately $10,000 per year behind similar classification under the Community Services Labor Relations Act, and also below other Aboriginal workers who are covered by the Aboriginal Services collective agreement which covers Aboriginal workers across the province. That Native Courtworker wages are substantially less than their colleagues is extremely concerning.