Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada working at the Salvation Army Booth Centre have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike mandate after the employer tabled a wage offer that would leave staff vulnerable to relying on the very services they deliver.
Approximately 60 workers at the Salvation Army Booth Centre in Ottawa are represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada – these workers deliver critical shelter services to some of Ottawa’s most vulnerable residents. PSAC Local 73100 members work in maintenance, administration, food access – they also provide direct supports in areas like addictions, mental health, and substance use counselling.
These dedicated workers play a key role in providing comprehensive support to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Ottawa area, helping them access housing, healthcare, and life skills programs.
“These workers play a vital role in addressing issues of homelessness and addiction in our community.” said Ruth Lau MacDonald, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President, National Capital Region. “They deserve a living wage that aligns with what others in the social services sector are making.”
Workers at the Booth Centre face significant wage disparities compared to others in the same sector, with many positions paying below the calculated living wage for the Ottawa area.
In 2023, a Booth Centre Front Line Worker made less than the Ottawa living wage and 23% less than a similar job in the sector. In 2023, a Booth Centre Front Line Worker made less than the Ottawa living wage and 23% less than a similar job in the sector. Special Care Workers make 21% less than similar jobs at Shepherds Good Hope shelter in Ottawa.
In 2024, frontline worker wages at Shepherds of Good Hope were 27% higher than those for frontline staff at Salvation Army Booth Centre, while the wage gap for housekeepers was 18%.
In 2023, while workers and the vulnerable struggle, Booth Centre management enjoyed salaries between $108k to $130k plus benefits, with raises up to 5.5% over the previous year.
“Taking job action is always a last resort, but this strong strike mandate underscores the frustration our members are feeling during this round of bargaining. The people doing this important work in our community should make enough to cover the cost of living in this city.” said Lau MacDonald. “It’s time for the Salvation Army to come to the table with a respectable wage offer.”
As negotiations continue, the Salvation Army’s refusal to offer fair wages risks service disruptions, jeopardizing the critical support that Ottawa’s most vulnerable residents depend on.