On July 6, 2023, UPE members held a Zoom meeting to discuss follow-up questions stemming from our meeting on June 30 with the department.
The following questions were sent:
Will HSD be used strictly for school runs, what will be the timeframe in which an FSW has to respond to cover a run/visit prior to HSD being called, and how often will UPE receive updates on the need to continue to utilize HSD? Currently, FSWs enter documentation with regard to transporting youth; how will this occur with HSD? We also requested that overtime be available to FSWs for the year of the contract, not just the first three (3) months.
The department’s responses were:
HSD will be primarily focused on school runs and extracurricular activities. Once the overtime request goes out, FSWs will have thirty (30) minutes to one (1) hour to respond. The department will meet with UPE every ninety (90) days following the implementation of the contract; UPE members will also be working alongside management on the process as it is implemented. A service contact would be entered by clerical staff; this is a task currently being performed as it pertains to current outside service providers.
The department will extend the overtime from three (3) to six (6) months after implementation of the contract.
We were satisfied with the answers received and were in agreement for the department to move forward with the 71-J.
Thank you to the participants for your advocacy
Eric Booker, Jamie Purfor, and Sarah Singleton