Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association begins negotiations today

The bargaining association representing 10,000 health science professionals opens negotiations today with the Health Employers' Association of B.C.

"Our members have told us it's time for a raise," chief negotiator Rick Lampshire of the Health Sciences Association said.

"After ten years of wage controls, health science professionals are looking for a significant increase in wages to recognize their education level, skills and experience," he said.

Other key demands include improved on-call and travel compensation and better educational opportunities. Health science professionals are required to update their education regularly, but because of shortages, can't get time off to take the courses. They often have to pay for the job-required education themselves.

"We're hopeful the first day will set a positive tone for negotiations, but at the other health bargaining tables, the employer is calling for ridiculous concessions when what we need to do is work to find solutions to the challenges of recruitment and retention of highly skilled health care professionals," he added.

Health science professionals, also called paramedical professionals, include lab technologists, x-ray technologists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiation therapists, respiratory therapists, pre-school teachers, community mental health professionals, social workers, dietitians, health records administrators and speech and language pathologists.

"The health care system is experiencing shortages in a number of these disciplines, and a good wage and benefit package is key to keeping highly skilled professionals in B.C.," Lampshire said.

The Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association is the last of three associations to open bargaining in the public health sector. The Nursing and Community Health Bargaining Associations began negotiating with employers last month.

All three contracts expire March 31, 2001.

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