October 1, CSCT staff employed by Western Montana Mental Health Thompson Falls-area voted to join the Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE). Joining MFPE means Thompson Falls-area CSCT staff now have representation in the workplace and the right to collectively bargain with their employer. 

Comprehensive School and Community Treatment (CSCT) is a joint effort between Montana school districts and providers to deliver emotional and behavioral support to students at school. CSCT staff help students with a range of issues that affect their ability to be successful in school as well as other areas of life. Support services include individual sessions, group sessions, family support, lunch group, and in-class support. 

“Thank you to MFPE for helping Thompson Falls CSCT teams to organize a new local union! We are excited about not only improving working conditions, wages, and benefits for ourselves, but also being able to provide more ethical and quality care for our clients.  We can’t wait to see where this takes us!” – Chris Magdalene, CSCT Thompson Falls 

Four CSCT staff employed by Western Montana Mental Health Thompson Falls-area cast ballots in the union election. The results were overwhelmingly in favor of joining MFPE, with all four staff voting for representation and collective bargaining rights. 

The total unit size includes six Western Montana Mental Health Thompson Falls-area CSCT staff. 

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