On April 23, the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) reached a tentative collective agreement with the Community Social Services Employers’ Association (CSSEA). About 1,500 HEU members working in community social services will vote on whether or not to accept the agreement.
The comprehensive report gives an overview of the tentative agreement and highlights key changes and improvements. It also includes copies of each signed article, with all changes clearly marked.
Under the tentative agreement, members will receive a three per cent general wage increase each year for four years – a total increase of 12 per cent. Grid 10 positions will also receive additional targeted low-wage increases.
The tentative agreement also includes:
- Elimination of Step 1 on the wage grid
- Funding to shift premiums
- Removal of dual-coverage restrictions
- Retention incentive benefits
- Increased mileage rate
The ratification vote will be held online starting Wednesday, May 13 at 9 a.m. (Pacific time) and ending Friday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m. (Pacific)
How to vote in the ratification vote
If you have any issues voting, please email electionsofficer@heu.org.
HEU members covered by the CSSBA collective agreement will receive an email around 9:00 a.m. (Pacific) on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 with their voting credentials. The email (from HEU via SimplyVoting) will provide the information members will need to cast their vote on an online ballot. The email will also contain a link to the member's ballot.
Once someone's vote is recorded, they will not be able to vote again. Ballots are not transferable.
The voting period will close at 4:00 p.m. (Pacific) on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ratification vote
- What if I don’t receive my ballot by email?
First step: please check the “spam” or “junk” folder of your email program. Sometimes your ballot ends up there.
If you’ve checked your spam/junk folder and you still don’t see an email ballot from HEU (via Simply Voting), then please email electionsofficer@heu.org as soon as possible. HEU staff will help you get your ballot.
- Is the online voting process secure?
This online vote is secure and anonymous. We will be using the Simply Voting platform to vote on this tentative agreement.
This is a well-trusted platform used by a range of Canadian organizations including government, companies and unions.
It was successfully used in the 2023 CSSBA ratification vote, and has been used regularly for HEU local elections. It is also used by B.C.’s Labour Relations Board to conduct certification votes.
- Who should I contact if I have voting issues?
If you have any issues voting, please email electionsofficer@heu.org.