On the eve of the implementation of a new province-wide policy that threatened to fire health science professionals who refused to declare whether they had been vaccinated against seasonal flu, Health Sciences Association has negotiated an agreement that sees the government back off on the policys punitive aspects.
The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) reviewed the employer's latest offer. Although a wage increase is included in the offer, it is tied securely to a corresponding "offset" (cost savings) from the collective agreement. The offset is matched by the employer to provide the wage increase. There is no guarantee built into the proposal that the wage increase will not be eroded in the future by increases to the cost of the provisions where the 'savings' were proposed.
The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) has reviewed the employer's latest offer and has determined that there is no reason to return to the bargaining table at this time.
The Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) continues to hold the position that an increase in wages must be accompanied by an offset found within the collective agreement.
The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) ... representing 14,000 community health services and support workers ... met on October 18 to discuss next steps in trying to achieve a collective agreement with the Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC).
No new bargaining dates have been set.
So far, significant progress has been made in resolving many of the non-monetary issues, including the renewal of many Memoranda of Understanding attached to the collective agreement, and improvements to the grievance and arbitration provisions.
Health Sciences Association, on behalf of the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA), is calling for the withdrawal of a province-wide policy that threatens to fire health science professionals who refuse to declare whether they have been vaccinated against seasonal flu.
Union members who work in Community Health Services and Support sector have voted 86 per cent in favour of job action.
HSA President Reid Johnson said this strong mandate is a clear message to employers. "Our members in community health help hold our communities together," he said. "It's time for the Health Employers' Association of BC and the BC government to recognize the invaluable services provided by these members, and to value the needs of their patients and clients."
In addition, some HSA members covered by the Community Health Services and Support contract will be voting by mail-in ballot.
HSA President Reid Johnson urged members to vote YES to back fair and reasonable demands.
Talks to renew the Community Health Services and Support provincial contract have adjourned and the unions will be conducting a strike vote.
HSA President Reid Johnson said that after eight long months at the bargaining table, members in community health services and support deserve a fair and reasonable deal.
BCs Provincial Health Officer Perry Kendall yesterday announced new measures for influenza prevention among health care workers and patients.
