President Thomas in London to discuss violence against social/community workers 

LONDON – Imagine knowing you had a 50 per cent chance of being assaulted at work over the next 12 months. Imagine facing threats and verbal abuse daily in the workplace.

That’s what many community and social service workers deal with daily, according to a recent poll.

Community services workers suffer an epidemic of threats, violence and abuse at work. They are often told: “It’s all part of the job.”

Community sector workers from across the southwest are scheduled to meet in London June 13 to discuss what can be done about this crisis of violence in the workplace.

As well, OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas will be in London to meet with media. He will address the poll results, what has caused the crisis, and what needs to be done. Representatives from OPSEU’s community services divisional council will also be available to tell some of the harrowing stories from the social work field.

A news conference will be held:

Where:    OPSEU Regional Office, 1100 Dearness Drive, Unit 27, Room 1, London

When:     June 13, 2008 – 9:00 a.m.

OPSEU represents about 130,000 public employees working in communities across Ontario. The community services divisional council represents about 11,500 of those members. They work in developmental services, children’s aid societies, child and family services, child care, community agencies, corrections, and child treatment centres.