Dear CUPE members:
Since the BCGEU gave strike notice to the Public Service Agency on Friday (August 12), members of other unions including CUPE have been asking how any potential job action might affect them. With the BCGEU in a legal strike position as of 2:46 pm today (Monday, August 15), here is what we know:
- The only BCGEU members who can participate in legal job action are members of the B.C. public service bargaining unit, sometimes referred to as the “Main Agreement”;
- There are currently no other Provincial Bargaining tables at an impasse. Our members will continue to work; and
- There are two “common sites” identified by HEABC in which Health Sector members work in a building where BCGEU members from the public service bargaining unit also work. For those sites, CUPE and other health sector unions will appear at the Labour Board to ensure that our members can safely enter the workplace without crossing a picket line. The local presidents of 1978 and 4816 have been advised of the sites and reviewed the access plans. More details will be shared at the local level if necessary.
The BCGEU job action will evolve over the coming days. If any developments impact our Health Sector members, we will send updates as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, if you see a picket line away from your place of work it is important not to cross it. CUPE members can show solidarity with striking workers by respecting their picket lines, showing support with a honk if driving by, or talking to the striking workers and giving comments of support from CUPE.
In solidarity,
Andrew Ledger
CUPE Health Coordinator