Unions in the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) are disappointed by the pace of talks so far with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) after a second week of negotiations in Vancouver.
The CBA has tabled housekeeping proposals, language on bullying and harassment, live-in and overnight shifts as well as proposals to renew many of the existing Memorandum of Agreements without changes. However, HEABC has yet to table any proposals or to respond to the majority of what the CBA has presented.
“The slow response to our proposals seems to be due to a lack of preparation on the employers’ side and that’s disappointing,” said Jill Stromnes, CUPE bargaining committee member, ”our contract expires at the end of March and we don’t see signs that we will reach agreement anytime soon.”
“We came ready to bargain because it’s important that our members get a fair deal in a reasonable amount of time,” said Pat Taylor, CUPE bargaining committee member
Talks resume February 14 in Vancouver and additional dates have been set through to the end of March.
The CBA represents health care workers who provide home-based medically-related support services to seniors and persons with disabilities. Workers in the sector also provide community-based health services including mental health and addictions services and administrative support to home support agencies and health authorities.
CUPE represents approximately 500 members in the CBA and other unions in the association include BCGEU, UFCW 1518, HEU, HSA, USWA and CLAC.