Agape House staff picket for fair wage

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This article was published 18/11/2015 (3080 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There were honks of support during the lunch hour Wednesday as motorists drove past picketing staff from Agape House and their union on a pair of Steinbach street corners.

Staff at the Agape House women’s shelter was stationed at the corner of Main Street and Reimer Avenue, near the clock tower, to campaign for a fairer wage, as well as new contract language that would provide support for staff who may be victims of domestic violence.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) said last week all staff at the women’s shelter voted in favour of strike action. A strike is the last resort, communications representative David Jacks said.

Staff at the centre and Agape’s volunteer board of directors will return to the negotiating table next week, with the provincial conciliator managing discussions.

Jacks said wages start between $15-17 and can rise to just over $19 for Agape’s councillors, which is lower than similar personnel at other women’s shelters.

He said Agape’s wages are not sufficient “for the type of work these folks are providing to the public,” he said.

CUPE also wants language in the next contract that would enshrine the province’s recent commitment to extend paid leave to victims of domestic violence.