VICTORIA—Increased member engagement as a result of the sector’s expanded online presence is providing new opportunities to reach CUPE members in community health, the Health Care Presidents Council (HCPC) concluded at its quarterly meeting on February 13.
As part of the sector’s ongoing workload campaign, the Council decided that new materials on improved collective agreement language addressing excessive workloads will soon be shared via local distribution and the sector’s regional online networks.
“We’ve been excited to see increased activity from members on our Community Health website and Facebook page. This indicates that there’s a real desire for more information on various issues affecting them,” said CUPE Health Coordinator Chris Losito.
“We believe in the value of these online platforms, which help our members not only to find the new information or archived material they seek but also, through this kind of interactivity, reach solutions to the issues affecting them, especially workload.”
Following the anticipated ratification of the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) collective agreement, members can expect to see a shareable post card on workload that will inform them of their rights under the collective agreement and provide guidance on how to apply those rights in the workplace.
Also at the meeting, Council members shared success stories from the recent HSPBA ratification process, which drew a 40 per cent response rate. The CUPE locals clearly appreciated the numerous opportunities and accessible locations for voting, which contributed directly to the much higher than average participation rate, noted Losito.
In other meeting business, the Health Presidents voted to extend the position of the Enhanced Disability Management Program advocate at five days a week for 2019, and made amendments to the Council’s bylaws.
The HCPC’s next meeting will be on May 15 at CUPE’s B.C. regional office.