Health science professionals vote for strike; mediator enters talks

HSA members have delivered a strong message to the Health Employers Association of B.C with a 90 per cent vote in favour of a strike.

But the HEABC pre-empted any immediate job action by applying for mediation in negotiations for a new contract for about 14,000 health science professionals.

"The employer was concerned about a strong strike vote, and in order to avoid job action, applied for mediation. Our members have delivered just what the employer was afraid of ... and thats a strong tool for us as we head back to negotiations next week," said HSA chief negotiator Rick Lampshire.

"We are prepared to attempt to reach a mediated settlement, but our members have given us a mandate to get out of the process if it becomes clear that the employer isnt prepared to be reasonable and meet the needs of health science professionals," Lampshire said.

HEABC and the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association jointly agreed to the appointment of one of the provinces leading mediators, Stephen Kelleher, a senior BC mediator who has a good track record and understanding of the complicated issues in health care bargaining.

Mediated talks start Tuesday, April 24.

The Paramedical Bargaining Association represents 14,000 health science professionals in the Health Sciences Association, BC Government and Services Employees Union, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Professional Employees Association, and the Hospital Employees Union. Health science professionals work in about 100 different professions, including as pharmacists, social workers, lab technologists and ultrasonographers.

For more information, contact:
Miriam Sobrino, Director of Communications
(604)439-0994 or 328.2886