HSPBA Bargaining Update: Talks resume week of September 19

HSPBA negotiations, led by HSA and conducted by professional negotiators, subject experts on labour relations issues, and members elected by their colleagues to bring front-line perspectives, were busy over the summer working through discussions at small group tables to address issues of health and safety. The resumption of full negotiations returns the focus of discussions to wider issues, including wage proposals which seek to compensate for the current inflationary pressures on members.

As talks resume, the BCGEU continues job action which began mid-August. While BCGEU’s negotiating team has returned to the table for discussions, job action continues until further notices, but does not currently affect any HSA worksites. Members are reminded that if they do encounter a picket line, do not cross. 

Picket lines are used to increase workers’ negotiating power with their employer. In BC, union members have a proud history of refusing to cross picket lines, whether their own or set up by another union. At this time of profound economic, social, and physical stress on all workers, it has never been more important that we honour picket lines, and the workers walking them, than now.

If you find your workplace being picketed as part of job action by employees of the provincial government, DO NOT CROSS THE PICKET LINE. Instead, contact both your manager and the HSA to inform us that you have encountered a picket line.

You have the right to refuse to cross a legal picket line without fear of discipline. This right is stated clearly in your collective agreement.