Talks in jeopardy if employer refuses to make wage offer

With talks between health science professionals and the Health Employers Association of BC at a stalemate, the Health Sciences Association today threatened to walk away from mediated talks and serve strike notice.

But the union was convinced to stay at the table after mediator Stephen Kelleher extracted a commitment from the employer to return to the table Thursday with a wage offer.

HSAs chief negotiator Rick Lampshire said if the wage package is not brought to the table Thursday, the unions will ask Kelleher to book out of talks. He said that while mediation got off to a good start last week, the exercise has been hampered by the employers reluctance to get serious about negotiating a contract for health science professionals.

"Weve said from the start that this round of bargaining is about paying health science professionals wages that will address the severe shortages of highly skilled and highly trained partners in the health care team. But the employer just doesnt want to talk about money," said Chief Negotiator Rick Lampshire.

"HEABC knew coming into this process that we have a very strong strike mandate. And our members are ready to put pressure on the employer to come to the table ready to negotiate," he said.

Health science professionals tabled a wage proposal in March calling for wage increases of 30 per cent over two years.

Union members working in 100 different health science professions, including pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists, radiation therapists, dietitians, lab technologists and social workers voted 90 per cent in favour of striking to support demands at the bargaining table.

The collective agreement expired March 31, 2001.

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