By Jeff Pelletier | Nunatsiaq News
Family Services Minister Margaret Nakashuk is condemning what she describes as violence and harassment toward community social workers who provide mental health, child protection and other support services across Nunavut.
But Jason Rochon, president of Nunavut Employees Union, said it’s on the GN to make sure those employees are safe and supported.
Nakashuk made her remarks in a May 22 minister’s statement in the legislature.
“Our community social services workers, who dedicate their lives to supporting and uplifting the most vulnerable people among us, have been subjected to unacceptable levels of violence, harassment, and negativity on the frontlines,” Nakashuk said.
“This is a direct attack on these dedicated professionals and on the values we hold dear as Nunavummiut.”
Nakashuk said “we must ensure” those working in front-line environments can do their jobs in a safe and respectful environment.
The minister didn’t specify why these condemnations are coming now. Earlier this month, a woman who identified herself as a former caregiver at Kinngait’s wellness office posted several allegations on Facebook about the quality of care at the office, poor management, and lack of payment for workers.
The department has also been under scrutiny from the federal auditor general since 2011, where it has faced three damning audits and a followup in March saying still more work needs to be done to make sure kids in the territorial government’s care are protected.
Nakashuk announced last week her department has set up a confidential line where people can report concerns about Family Services.
Rochon responded to Nakashuk’s ministerial statement in an interview Monday, saying that rather than blame those in the community, leaders can take a closer look at why abuse against workers is happening.
“We appreciate that Minister Nakashuk said those words calling on better treatment for social workers. But the truth is, we’ve been asking for better treatment for decades,” he said.
“All social workers and all workers in Nunavut deserve to be treated a little bit better than what we’re getting from the employer right now.”
Staffing issues continue to be a challenge, Rochon said, including keeping two social workers in every community.
Other issues include a lack of staff housing and a lack of mental health support. Some social workers are living out of hotel rooms, Rochon said.
Social workers, along with the rest of the Government of Nunavut union employees, are in the process of negotiating a new collective agreement with their employer.
As part of those negotiations, the NEU is putting forward some demands, Rochon said, but he wouldn’t go into details.
“We’re going to do our bargaining not through the media, but what I will say is that we’ve offered a lot of solutions and we’ve offered a lot of opportunities for the employer to meet,” he said.
The union and GN met earlier this month, and are expected to meet again in June.
