May 13, 2020
Dear DCS Members:
Further to the emails I sent Saturday May 9th, I wanted to follow up with this letter as an update.
As the Premier announced the Provincial Healthcare Premium on Thursday, and we all know that DCS was left out because they do not deem you as healthcare workers, our push back began on Friday.
A media release went out on Friday, and a letter to the Premier was sent on Monday. The letter that was sent to the Premier also went to all 21 Employers yesterday with a request that they work with us lobbying government for all of you to be included in the healthcare premium. I will also be interviewed regarding this matter on 95.7 FM radio talk show on Thursday May 14th at 9:30. There have been numerous emails and conference calls between staff and the Coordinating Committee Executive to organize a plan and get a campaign up and running. I will provide more in-depth information when I have it.
I certainly acknowledge that this is an extreme insult to all of you. You are frontline workers doing exceptional work with your vulnerable clients and are just as important as any other frontline worker! Please be assured that we are following every avenue possible to represent you to this government on this issue.
I am more than happy to set up a conference call, if that is your wish. Just let me know by sending me an email at kcail@cupe.ca and I can send out the invitation for the first of the week.
In solidarity,
KIM CAIL
CUPE Provincial DCS Coordinator