Workers in community health begin tabling bargaining proposals

Bargaining for British Columbias over 13,000 workers employed in community health services and support kicked off this week.  Talks commenced between the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) and the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) on January 23 with the exchange of opening remarks and the initial tabling of proposals. 

The CBA presented a summary of the priorities identified by health care workers and proposals related to harassment and bullying.  On Thursday the CBA also tabled proposals related to employer and union relations.

CBA noted that under the net zero mandate imposed by the provincial government in the last round of bargaining, health care workers wages have not kept up with the rate of inflation.

Community health services and support workers identified wage increases, job security, benefits and scheduling as their main contract priorities.

Negotiations resume in Vancouver on February 6 for four more weeks of bargaining.  Additional dates have been set through to the end of March.

The CBA represents health care workers who provide home-based medically-related support services to seniors and persons with disabilities.  Workers in the sector also provide community-based health services including mental health and addictions services and administrative support to home support agencies and health authorities.

BCGEU is the largest union in the CBA with over 8,000 members.  The other unions in the association include HSA, UFCW 1518, HEU, and CUPE.

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