May 3, 2012
The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) met last week in Vancouver for four days to exchange and discuss proposals with the Health Employers’ Association of British Columbia (HEABC).
The two parties discussed a wide range of issues and exchanged amendments to previously tabled proposals. We’ve now tabled and discussed all of the non-monetary issues. Last week, we were able to narrow the differences or gain agreement on many issues our members have identified as important.
The primary topics now being discussed are scheduling, grievance and arbitration procedures, health and safety, bullying and allowances. We’ll be discussing benefits and compensation after we’ve dealt with the non-monetary items.
The committee expects to move to monetary issues in the coming weeks.
“We’re hoping the HEABC comes to the table with a fair and reasonable wage offer,” said CUPE bargaining committee member, Pat Taylor.
Community health bargaining will continue in a few weeks in Vancouver.
CUPE represents approximately 500 members in the Community Bargaining Association, which has over 14,000 members, the majority of whom are represented by the BCGEU. Other unions at the table are UFCW, HEU, HSA, and USWA.
Important message about the public service (direct government bargaining unit) strike vote
Members have been asking whether they’re participating in the current strike vote being held by the BCGEU. You are not. The BCGEU is a large union with many sectors that negotiate separately and hold separate strike votes. Right now, BCGEU members who are direct government of B.C. employees are participating in the strike vote. You – members of the Community Health Bargaining Association – work under the terms of the Health Services & Support Community Subsector Collective Agreement. You remain at the bargaining table.