90% Yes: Members stand together for better health care

Specialized health professionals send strong message with strike vote  

BC’s health science professionals have voted 90.1 per cent in favour of taking job action in support of efforts to negotiate a fair contract.

This is a strong message that the government cannot ignore: we’re not backing down in our fight for a contract that deals fairly with recruitment and retention so that we can fix BC’s public health care system. Frontline health professionals living and working in communities across BC are standing together.

Your bargaining committee will be returning to the table in January with these results in hand. If the employer continues to refuse to engage in serious discussions to meet our priorities, we will be prepared to escalate to job action.”

We do not take this step lightly. We do not want to take job action, but we are prepared to do so because we care deeply about the future of BC’s health care system and the people who depend on it every day.

While other public sector agreements struck in recent months have offered significant funding to tackle recruitment and retention, health science professionals have been offered much less — about $100 million less (when adjusted for membership) — even as workload and burnout are so severe that 1 in 3 health science professionals are thinking of quitting. Even the additional funding offered to other tables would be insufficient to solve the dire problems contributing to delays and gaps in BC’s health care system.

HSPBA members should know that this strong strike vote result does not mean that job action will be starting soon. The next step in this process is your HSPBA bargaining committee meeting with the employer in mid-January. Please keep an eye on your email inbox for an update in the new year.

Priorities for a fair contract include: 

  • premiums – for regular workers, for evening/night/weekend shifts, for workers in student supervision and preceptor roles, and more
  • retention incentives such as an add pay system and improvements to paid time off to reward workers who stay in the public system
  • continued reimbursement for professional fees
  • correcting outstanding issues with the classifications system
  • maintaining our extended health and welfare benefits
  • professional development funding for 2026 and beyond

Health science professionals are represented by the unions of the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA), including the Health Sciences Association, Hospital Employees Union, BC General Employees Union, Professionals Employees Association, and the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

 

In solidarity,

Your CUPE representatives to the HSPBA bargaining committee

Enough is enough — time to send a strong message to the government

Your bargaining committee is calling for an official strike vote to be taken December 4-17. All members belonging to the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) will be eligible to participate in the online vote.

Your bargaining committee believes this strike vote is necessary because the employer has refused to offer the monetary package being provided to other unions. Specifically, while other unions have been offered significant funding to tackle recruitment and retention, health science professionals have been offered much less — approximately $100 million less — even as workload and burnout are so severe that 1 in 3 health science professionals are thinking of quitting.

To quote from the B.C. government’s own November 13 news release: “As is the case with the framework agreement reached with the Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA), the BCGEU Main Agreement in the Public Service includes additional increases that are over and above what will be made available to the rest of the public sector as part of the 2025 Balanced Measures Mandate.”

Without the funding being offered to these other unions, it will be impossible for your bargaining committee to deal with the priorities identified by members: fixing the classifications system, protecting benefits, ensuring fair premiums, and investing in retention of burnt-out staff.

This unequal treatment is not just unfair, it is disrespectful of the importance of frontline health care professionals, and it would contribute to further deterioration in the health care system that our communities and our economy depend upon.

Your elected bargaining committee recommends all members vote YES to send a strong message to the employer that we will not be treated as second-class citizens.

HOW THE STRIKE VOTE WILL WORK

The strike vote will be held online December 4-17. All members will be sent voting credentials via email on the day the voting begins.

You will not be able to vote if you have not provided the union with a personal email address. Please ensure your local has your current email address. More information will be provided as we approach the opening of the vote.

 

In solidarity,

Your CUPE representatives to the HSPBA bargaining committee

Community health workers vote YES to standing united for a better collective agreement

The results are in: 92.3% of members who cast a ballot in the CBA strike vote said YES to authorize strike action if necessary, to achieve meaningful improvements to our collective agreement.

This is more than a vote – it’s a powerful statement. Your strong mandate sends a clear message to our employer: we are united, serious, and ready to secure the respect and fairness we deserve. In the coming weeks, we will schedule new bargaining dates and bring this strike mandate to the table to demand a fair agreement on par with other HEABC health care workers.

This strike vote also marks several milestones: the largest turnout the CBA bargaining unit has ever seen, the unification of supportive housing workers under a single collective agreement, and the strongest voice we’ve had in the last 30 years of bargaining.

Thank you to everyone who voted. With this historic strike mandate, our collective voice has never been stronger, and we are committed to securing a fair agreement for all community health workers.

 

In solidarity,

Your CUPE Representatives to the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) Negotiating Committee

HSPBA bargaining update: Progress slows to a crawl

After another week of talks, your bargaining committee remains very disappointed with the lack of progress being made in negotiations. Eight months into the process, the employer has done little to address key priorities for health science professionals struggling with workload, shortages, and waitlists. The monetary package tabled by the employer fails to recognize or respect the importance of our work.

With this lack of progress your bargaining committee is considering steps we can collectively take to pressure the employer to come to a fair deal. We are still at the table with the employer, but if progress is not made soon, next steps could include a strike vote.

We will have an update for members if there are any new developments at the bargaining table. Please make sure to update your contact information with your local so we can keep you up to date.

In solidarity,

Your CUPE representatives to the HSPBA bargaining committee

CBA Benefit Improvements Pilot for Mental Health and Wellness

Improved coverage for counselling and mental health support has been a strong priority for community health members. We’re pleased to announce that a new Mental Health and Wellness Benefit will be added to your Extended Health Benefits Plan effective January 1, 2026. This enhancement marks another important step toward achieving benefit parity with the FBA.

This new benefit is part of a special joint pilot project co-sponsored by the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) and the Joint Community Benefits Trust (JCBT).

Here are the details:

  • Effective Date: January 1, 2026
  • Annual Limit: A combined maximum of $1000 per calendar year.
  • What’s Covered:
    • Registered Psychologist
    • Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) – this is an online- only benefit through specific PBC-approved providers.
      Learn more here: PBC’s Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 
    • Registered Clinical Counsellor
    • Registered Social Worker
    • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Reimbursement: Up to the Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) reasonable and customary limit per visit, subject to coinsurance.
  • Eligibility: This benefit is for eligible members only.
  • Pilot Period: This pilot project benefit enhancement will be re-evaluated annually.

This new benefit marks another step forward in improving access to meaningful mental health supports for community health workers. The CBA remains committed to ensuring your benefits evolve to reflect the realities of your work and the care you provide every day.

HSPBA bargaining update: Slow progress on key issues

On Wednesday, your bargaining committee called off discussions for the remainder of the week because insufficient progress is being made on priority issues. The committee has tabled a wage proposal on behalf of HSPBA, but the employer has indicated they would not be responding to it this week. We will resume negotiations Monday with the hope of more meaningful discussions.

The bargaining committee welcomes last week’s news of a tentative agreement reached between BCGEU and the provincial government. Your bargaining committee believes this deal shows the provincial government is prepared to be flexible.

But there remains significant work ahead to achieve a deal which addresses the unique concerns identified by HSPBA members. With as many as 30% of B.C.’s frontline health science professionals saying they are so burnt out and demoralized they are considering quitting their jobs in the next two years, your committee is determined to push for real solutions. Your bargaining committee is committed to achieving them with hard bargaining and the support of all HSPBA members.

We want to thank all members once again for their continued support. Please make sure your contract information is up to date with your local, so we can keep you updated on next week’s discussion.

In solidarity,

Your CUPE representatives to the HSPBA bargaining committee

CBA Bargaining Update and Strike Vote Information

After nearly 20 days at the table your bargaining committee has not seen meaningful progress on your key priorities. As a result, negotiations with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) and the provincial government reached an impasse on October 3, 2025.

Because we have not been able to reach a deal at the table, your bargaining committee is asking members for a strong strike mandate.

The strike vote will be from Monday, November 3rd to Wednesday November 26th.

Voting opens: Monday, November 3 at 12:00 p.m. (PST)
Voting closes: Wednesday, November 26 at 5:00 p.m. (PST)

You will be receiving an email with your ballot to vote, or instructions if your local is conducting an in-person ballot box vote. For most members voting online, the vote will be conducted through Simply Voting, an independent, neutral third party. Individual responses will not be released; only aggregate results will be shared.

When you receive your ballot, please read and follow the voting instructions carefully and answer the question on the ballot by selecting one of the two choices provided.

***Once you have made your choice and submitted your vote, it cannot be changed.

Vote YES to authorize a strike. 

A strong “YES” vote sends a clear message to our employers: we are united, we are serious, and we are ready to fight for the fairness, stability and respect we need in our next collective agreement.

Our priorities are clear: 

  • Fair funding for our benefits. Just like the FBA and HSPBA, our benefit trust deserves full funding retroactive to 2021.
  • Fair access to overtime. We want to see the expansion of overtime by seniority to ensure overtime opportunities are allocated fairly, curtailing assignments offered by convenience or through personal relationships.
  • Equal pay for equal work. Wages, shift premiums, vacation, and other monetary entitlements must be brought up to the same level as other HEABC healthcare workers doing the same work, ensuring fairness and equity across the sector.

Remember: a vote in favour of a strike does not automatically mean a strike will happen. But a strong strike mandate is a powerful tool to help us negotiate the collective agreement we deserve.

Strike Vote Information Sessions

Have questions? Join an information session.

If you have questions about how we reached an impasse or why a strong “YES” vote is so important, join members of your bargaining committee at any of the following sessions.

Information Sessions (via Zoom) All times in Pacific Time 

  • Monday, Nov 3 – 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov 4 – 6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov 6 – 6:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov 12 – 6:30 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov 17 – 6:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE to join the Zoom Session (all sessions can use this link) 
Meeting ID:  843 0607 0328
Passcode: 392101

 

The public service tentative agreement
On October 26, the BCGEU reached a tentative agreement with the provincial government for public service workers. We applaud the BCGEU members for their strength and unity throughout their eight-week strike. Your bargaining committee is optimistic their gains pave the way for meaningful improvements at our own bargaining table.

Keep your contact information up to date
Please make sure your local has your current personal contact information, including personal email and phone number. Encourage your co-workers to do the same – especially if they aren’t receiving union emails.

Stand up for fairness and respect
Your support is crucial to our collective success. This strike vote is our opportunity to stand up for what’s right — fair pay, fair treatment, and real respect. Working together, we’ll show the employer that community health workers across the province are united and ready to fight for the agreement we deserve.

In solidarity,

Your CUPE delegates to the Community Bargaining Association bargaining committee

 

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Impasse reached with employer

This afternoon your CBA bargaining committee declared an impasse in bargaining with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) and the provincial government.

After almost 20 days at the bargaining table, we have been unable to address the most acute bargaining priorities identified by members. Specifically:

  • The retroactive removal of the Investment Return Guarantee Adjustment (IRGA) that has transferred millions of dollars from your benefit trust back to HEABC employers that would otherwise be used to solidify and expand your health benefits and avoid falling further behind other healthcare workers, most of which work for the same employers.
  • The expansion of overtime by seniority to curtail the offering of overtime by convenience and relationships.
  • Giving Community Health Workers (CHWs) the security of fixed shifts and breaks that other health care workers have had for decades and ensuring employers can’t revert to the ‘gig work’ scheduling that CHWs endured for 30 years.
  • Fixing the wages, shift premiums, vacation, and other monetary entitlements to the same rates of other HEABC healthcare workers doing the same work.

We have not taken this decision lightly. Your bargaining committee, however, believes we may need a strong strike vote mandate from members to pressure HEABC to properly address our priorities at the bargaining table.

Over the coming weeks CUPE will be working with the other six constituent unions of the Community Bargaining Association on our next steps, including preparing for a strike vote across all CBA unions.

Now more than ever, your continued engagement and support is critical at this point in bargaining. It is crucial for your bargaining committee to get all members updates. If any of your colleagues and fellow union members are not receiving these email updates, please urge them to update their contact information with your local.

Together, we will get the deal we need and deserve.

In solidarity,

Your Community Bargaining Association (CBA) Negotiating Committee

CBA Bargaining Continues

After a pause in negotiations, your CBA bargaining committee met with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) on September 24, 25, and 26, 2025.

Since March, your CUPE bargaining committee delegates, along with delegates from the six other constituent unions, has spent 19 days bargaining with the employer. Despite having exchanged full non-monetary proposals, progress had been limited to minor administrative updates. Going into this latest bargaining session, we demanded meaningful progress by the employer on three key priorities:

  • Improved overtime language
  • Greater mobility between employers
  • Contract language equal to workers covered under the Facilities agreement

We also asked the employer to address the historic underfunding of the Enhanced Disability Management Program (EDMP) and for a final resolution to the funding of your benefit plan in line with that of other healthcare workers.

We are pleased to report that thanks to your support, and the resolve of your bargaining committee representatives, progress has been made. Although we have a long way to go, your bargaining committee feels this progress warrants further talks with HEABC.

There are two more days scheduled for talks on October 2 and 3, 2025, with more planned for the weeks of October 13 and 20. Your continued support and engagement is critical to our collective success at the bargaining table. Please watch out for more updates as negotiations progress.

 

In solidarity,

Your CUPE delegates to the Community Bargaining Association bargaining committee

HSPBA Bargaining Update: Important Survey on Contract Negotiations

Bargaining Association bargaining committee is very concerned that the government is looking to address fiscal uncertainty on the backs of frontline workers who keep our health care and community social services running.

We are being asked to do more with less support, and this simply isn’t sustainable. We need a fair deal, one that invests in the services that matter, and the people in our community who deliver them.

We’re reaching out to all members covered by the HSPBA collective agreement with a short but important survey to get updated information on your concerns, priorities at the table, and about the action you want to take at this critical moment in bargaining.

LINK TO SURVEY

Please complete this survey before noon Pacific time on October 3, 2025.

Your continued support and engagement is critical to our collective success at the bargaining table. Please ensure that your contact information is up-to-date with your local, and that you continue to monitor your email for updates.

 

In solidarity,

Your CUPE representatives to the HSPBA bargaining committee