CBA Bargaining Update: Tentative Agreement Reached

We are pleased to announce that the team negotiating on behalf of you and your colleagues represented by the Community Bargaining Association have reached a tentative agreement in the early hours of Sunday, January 15, 2023.

HSA is one of eight unions who have been at the table for almost a year, representing over 21,000 workers covered by the agreement, with the BC General Employees Union leading the negotiations. Representatives on the bargaining committee from every union unanimously support the tentative agreement and are encouraging all members to vote in favour of ratification.

The tentative agreement has a three-year term and includes a general wage increase in each year. It also contains additional low wage redress monies, and the retention of benefits and seniority should workers move jobs within the same health authority. Full details will be shared with members in the coming weeks as the union prepares for ratification. The ratification vote is expected to be completed before the end of February, and you will be provided information on how and when to vote shortly.

This was a difficult round of bargaining, and all members should know their support has been appreciated. It was this support and solidarity that gave the bargaining committee the courage to reject previous offers from the employer and keep fighting until we secured the best possible deal.

Thanks to you, the committee has secured an agreement that they are proud to recommend. More information will be coming in the weeks ahead to help you learn more about details of the significant wage increases, stronger language, and preservation of benefits included in this agreement.