After a pause in contract talks, the multi-union Community Bargaining Association (CBA) met with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) last week to resume negotiating a renewed collective agreement covering 21,000 health care workers, including 2,300 HEU members.
Since March, the bargaining committee and delegates from six other constituent unions have spent 19 days negotiating with the employer. Despite having exchanged full non-monetary proposals, progress had been limited to minor administrative updates.
Out of frustration with the lack of meaningful progress, the CBA cancelled bargaining dates in July, and sought member feedback on next steps.
CBA members were clear. Their priorities include improved overtime language; greater mobility between employers, and contracting-out language equal to workers covered under the Facilities Bargaining Association collective agreement
The multi-union bargaining association demanded meaningful progress on those specific priorities by September 26. The CBA also asked the employer to address the historic underfunding of the Enhanced Disability Management Program (EDMP), and for a final resolution on benefit plan funding to bring it in line with other health care workers.
The bargaining team is pleased to report that progress is being made on these priorities. Although there’s still a long way to go to reach a deal, it’s sufficient progress to continue talks with HEABC.
There are two more days scheduled this week, with further talks planned for the weeks of October 13 and 20.
As you know, public service unions remain on strike. HEU continues to encourage members to support striking workers by joining their picket lines and respecting them by not crossing.
Again, if an employer insists you cross a picket line, please remember that refusing to cross is not grounds for discipline.
If an employer tries to discipline you, contact a shop steward. If you require further assistance, contact HEU at 1-800-663-5813 and ask to be connected with your staff representative.
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 21,000 health care workers across the province.