Representatives of your Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA) bargaining committee and the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) resumed negotiations on April 2 for a new collective agreement for the more than 58,000 health care workers in the Facilities subsector.
During a day of face-to-face talks, all remaining non-monetary measures were tabled. These measures included proposals aimed at building on the significant gains made in the last collective agreement, that will continue to address persistent challenges across health care—staffing shortages, recruitment and retention and workplace safety.
“Our package of non-monetary proposals lays the groundwork for addressing persistent challenges across health care—staffing shortages, recruitment and retention and workplace safety,” says FBA lead negotiator and HEU secretary-business manager Lynn Bueckert.
Your bargaining committee also heard from leading Canadian economist Jim Stanford about the uncertain economic times stemming from U.S. tariffs, along with the opportunities and challenges facing unions bargaining for better contracts for their members.
Stanford outlined the importance of public services to support the economy in difficult times, emphasizing that a strong public sector helps insulate communities from the impact of inflation, tariffs and market instability.
“As Stanford reaffirmed, a strong public health care system is what British Columbians voted for—and it’s part of what holds Canada together,” says Bueckert. “In the face of rising costs, economic pressure and global uncertainty, investing in the people who give care—through fair wages and decent working conditions—is how we build a more resilient and united country.”
The bargaining committee is now developing its proposals for wages and other compensation.
The committee will be back at the table on April 8 and 9.