Final bargaining push to avoid labour dispute in community social services sector
Members of the community social services bargaining committee will be returning to the bargaining table next week, in a last ditch effort to avoid a labour dispute and reach new collective agreements for the sector. Bargaining will resume on Monday, March 21.
Key demands remain job security for our members and to guarantee continuity of care for the clients they work with. Better language in the contracts covering fair work practices and safe and healthy work places is also needed.
Members reiterated these demands during extensive meetings held with community social service workers from all unions held across British Columbia in January and February. Workers are frustrated with the lack of progress at the bargaining table and also asked employers to avoid work disruption.
In an attempt to break the stalemate, the Union Bargaining Association (UBA) will send a smaller bargaining sub-committee to meet employers on March 21. The UBA is also planning to organize meetings with workers in early April regarding possible job action. The unions are also taking steps to ensure essential services coverage is guaranteed before any job action proceeds.
The Community Social Services Employers Association represents 220 agencies across the province. The Union Bargaining Association bargains on behalf of more than 15,000 unionized community-based social services workers in BC, including 800 HSA members. The BCGEU is the lead union at the table.
For more information regarding the -Community Social Services Fair Deal" for workers campaign, visit www.cssfairdeal.ca
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