Health science professionals escalate province-wide strike

Cindy Stewart, President of the Health Sciences Association (HSA), announced today the 14,000 health science professionals represented by the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association will escalate their strike action next week.

"The new government has now had two weeks to consider the situation. They've certainly had time enough to send a clear message to the employer that a wage offer that values the work of health science professionals is needed," she said.

She made the announcement following a meeting with Health Services Minister Colin Hansen and Health Planning Minister Sindi Hawkins.

"We were invited here today to begin a process that includes hearing from the health care professionals who work in the system about how to improve it.

"While that is necessary work, the reality is if professionals are told today they aren't worth a wage that values their education, their expertise and their commitment, they aren't going to turn around tomorrow and work with the same government that told them they weren't valued members of the health care system," she said.

"Without a clear sign from the government that a wage offer is coming, we have made the difficult decision to make an impact on the health care system that can't be ignored," Stewart said.

Effective Monday, June 18 all health science professionals in the Kootenays will withdraw their services.

Tuesday, June 19, health science professionals in the Okanagan will join them, followed by members on Vancouver Island on Wednesday; northern BC on Thursday, and the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley on Friday.

By Friday, June 22 all health science professionals will be off the job. Essential services will be maintained province-wide.

"We need that recognition from the employer and from the new government. Our members want us back at the bargaining table, but they only want us there if we are talking about a wage offer that values their work as professionals," Stewart said.

She added that in the past four weeks of strike activity, which began May 22, health science professionals represented by the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association have increased their resolve to ensure a collective agreement that provides wages comparable to other health care professionals in the health care system. In April, union members voted 90 per cent in favour of going on strike to back demands at the bargaining table.

"Our members have been impatient with the pace the new government has moved at in health care negotiations. They have accepted a two-week grace period, but are anxious to hear from government that they are valued members of the health care team," Stewart said.

The Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association represents 14,000 health science professionals in the Health Sciences Association, Canadian Union of Public Employees, BC Government and Services Employees' Union, Professional Employees' Association, and the Hospital Employees' Union.

For more information, contact:
Miriam Sobrino, Director of Communications
(604)439-0994 or 328-2886