Tentative deal reached for Community Health Bargaining

VANCOUVER, Jan. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - The multi-union Community Bargaining Association (CBA) has reached a tentative collective agreement with the Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC). 

The two-year proposed agreement covers over 14,000 workers in community health, and comes after one year of difficult negotiations. The agreement achieves our members' key priorities including an across the board wage increase while protecting health and welfare benefits. Highlights include: 

					•    3% wage increase for all employees (2% upon ratification and 1% April 1^st)
					•    Improved scheduling provisions
					•    Improved grievance arbitration language
					•    Respectful workplace provisions
					•    Improved selection criteria provisions
					•    Elimination of a double probationary period for casuals
					•    Protection for casuals in the event of retendering

Last week, mediator Debbie Cameron was able to narrow the differences and bring the parties closer together.

"The agreement follows the pattern set in in the recently ratified agreement in Facilities and is consistent with the other agreements reached in the health sector," says BCGEU President Darryl Walker. 

"It was a long, hard week at the table and a difficult year of bargaining," added Walker. "Our strong strike mandate and the commitment and determination from the Community Bargaining Association caused the employer to back away from demands to cost-share health and welfare premiums, reflecting one of the key priorities set forth by our members." 

The BCGEU bargaining committee joins with the other members of the CBA in support of the tentative agreement.  The bargaining committee is recommending that members vote in favour of the proposed settlement. 

Workers in community health were without a contract since March 31, 2012 and are among the lowest paid in the public sector. They are the frontline caregivers in BC's healthcare system, providing compassionate, quality care and support to people in their homes and other facilities. 

The 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