VANCOUVER CUPE is outraged that the Liberal government, in an apparent return to the old Socred ways, has imposed a collective agreement on health care professionals, including about 600 CUPE members.
This may be the first time that a government has unilaterally imposed the employers bargaining demands, CUPE BC president Barry ONeill said. It is a ham-fisted approach which lashes out at the free and democratic bargaining process.
Our professional paramedicals had assurances from the government that imposing an agreement was a last resort, ONeill said. It was our impression that they would not consider this action for some time.
Paramedical professionals are the health inspectors, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other health care workers who often provide service to shut-in residents and others who are unable to come to a health care facility.
Six CUPE locals in the Lower Mainland and Victoria are involved in the dispute.
-30-
Contact: Barry ONeill, CUPE B.C. President, (604) 916-8444