Community Health collective agreement ratified

VANCOUVER, Feb. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Workers in Community Health have voted 86 per cent 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

"It's clear from the vote that our members working in Community Health support the recommendations of the bargaining committee," says BCGEU President Darryl Walker. "The bargaining committee was committed to addressing the priorities that members established prior to bargaining. They made some difficult choices and members agree that under the circumstances this is a fair and reasonable agreement."

The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) represents more than 14,000 members, the majority of whom are represented by the BCGEU. Other unions at the table include UFCW, HEU, CUPE, HSA, and USWA. 

SOURCE: B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union

Holly Reid, BCGEU Communications, 604-785-0124,  [email protected]