The multi-union Community Bargaining Association (CBA) is now moving to a strike authorization vote in November.
To recap, with no meaningful progress in discussions on members’ priorities at the negotiating table, bargaining for the next collective agreement hit an impasse with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) on October 3.
Details about the strike vote, including voting instructions and dates, will be shared with HEU CBA members next week.
CBA members are encouraged to keep their contact information updated, as voting is held online so members must receive voting instructions and ballots by email to cast a vote.
What is a strike vote?
A strike vote lets the bargaining committee know if members are prepared to take job action. It does not mean a strike is about to happen, but it gives the committee the mandate and leverage needed to apply pressure during bargaining.
The stronger the strike vote (i.e., the more members who vote “yes”), the more power it gives the committee in bargaining. A strong strike vote sends a clear message to the employer that members are united in their support for the bargaining committee and are prepared to take collective action to achieve a fair agreement.
At the CBA bargaining table, committee members Nicole Russell, Lisa Bouma and Donna Zmaeff represent HEU’s community health members, along with servicing representatives Brenda Brown and Tasha Whenham.
HEU’s community health members are encouraged to keep their contact information updated – heu.org/change-contact-information – to stay informed on the bargaining process.
The Community Bargaining Association includes BCGEU (the lead), CUPE, HEU (2,300 members), UFCW, HSA, BCNU, and USW, covering 23,000 health care workers across the province.