February 19, 2013
VANCOUVER – Workers in Community Health have voted 86 percent in favour of a two-year contract that provides an across the board wage increase, and improved workplace and scheduling provisions.
The agreement comes after one year of difficult negotiations with the Health Employers’ Association of BC (HEABC). Ratification votes were held across the province over the past four weeks.
Highlights include:
- 3% wage increase for all employees (2% upon ratification and 1% April 1, 2013)
- Improved scheduling provisions
- Improved grievance arbitration language
- Respectful workplace provisions
- Elimination of a double probationary period for casuals
- Protection for casuals in the event of retendering
“CUPE’s bargaining committee members were committed to addressing member’s priorities throughout this round of negotiations and it’s clear from the results of this vote that members feel their concerns were addressed,” said CUPE bargaining committee member Pat Taylor. “We had to make some tough choices to achieve this contract however under the circumstances we feel we have settled a fair and reasonable agreement.”
CUPE represents approximately 500 members in the CBA 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.