Bargaining update for HSA members working in the community social services sector
No new contract
HSA has learned that members may be hearing rumours that a tentative collective agreement has been reached between the unions and employers in the community social services sector.
-These are just rumours," said HSA President Reid Johnson.
-Last fall, negotiations were undertaken, but the talks collapsed December 17. While there have been informal discussions, there is no bargaining happening at this time," he said.
-HSA values the importance of your collective agreement. Members will be kept up to date on the progress of collective bargaining, and the terms of any tentative agreement will be voted on by the members covered by the contract," he said.
The current collective agreement expires this week on March 31. No negotiations have been scheduled for a new collective agreement. The terms of the current agreement will remain in place, including the start of members participation in the Municipal Pension Plan negotiated in 2006.
Funding in place for pension plan
As the deadline for enrolment in the Municipal Pension Plan for members working in the community social services sector approaches, CSSEA has confirmed that the provincial government has committed to funding the costs to employers associated to the pension plan. Members who have not enrolled are urged to do so by March 31, 2010.
-In a communication to employers, CSSEA told employers they have a commitment from government to fund the pension plan, without affecting services to clients," Johnson said.
-This is good news for our members working in the community social services sector who have fought for access to a pension plan," he added.
The pension plan, which will be put into place April 1, 2010, is the result of a negotiated agreement in 2006. HSA encourages all eligible members to enroll in the plan. See the -frequently asked questions" leaflet on the HSA website for more information: http://www.hsabc.org/webuploads/newsitems/MPP_booklet___HSA.pdf