Health science professionals strike to hit Okanagan on Friday

The unions representing 14,000 health science professionals started strike activity today with a province-wide ban on overtime and a one-day withdrawal of services in the Kootenays.

Health science professionals were set to rally at noon today in Nelson to send a message to the Health Employers' Association of BC and the government about the need to attract and retain health science professionals in the province's health care system.

Friday, the job action steps up with a withdrawal of services in the Okanagan. About 1,500 health science professionals will withdraw their services from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, May 25. Essential services will be maintained.

"We will continue to put pressure on the employer until they are prepared to come back to the bargaining table with a mandate that allows negotiations to move forward. While the HEABC thinks our members - the majority of whom have at least four years post-secondary education training - aren't worth the kinds of wage increases being considered for other health care professionals, our members know they are. And they're prepared to take a stand for the kinds of increases that will help attract and retain health science professionals in BC," Health Sciences Association President Cindy Stewart said.

The Paramedical 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.

The collective agreement expired March 31, 2001.

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