Tentative agreement reached in community health bargaining

Unions in the Community Bargaining Association (CBA), and the Health Employers' Association of B.C. (HEABC) have reached a tentative agreement on a two year contract for 14,000 community health workers.

The proposed contract includes a wage increase for Licensed Practical Nurses, LPN supervisors and Certified Dental Assistants of 3 percent and 3 percent over the next two years, a new weekend shift premium of 25 cents per hour, as well as increases in vision care and other benefits.

Negotiations were led by the BCGEU, which has over 8,000 members - the largest number in this sector. Other unions include the UFCW, HEU, CUPE, HSA, PEA as well as other unions.

Union members will have an opportunity early in the new year to review a comprehensive report on the agreement, and to ratify or reject the tentative settlement. The BCGEU will conduct meetings and ratification votes for its members in January 2010.

Other significant changes in the tentative agreement are:

• The establishment of a joint working group to improve scheduling practices;
• A point of sale (Blue Net) drug card to improve workers' access to reimbursement;
• Increased Vision Care from $225 in 24 months up to $350 every 24 months;
• A joint working group to examine improvements to short term sick leave;
• The annual Employee Health Benefit deductable has been increased to $100;
• Massage therapy has been capped at $1000 annually;
• Changes were made in the Long Term Disability program to set some limits on access to LTD by new hires with pre-existing conditions; and
• Renewed and improved severance provisions intended to discourage contracting out.

"Our bargaining committee worked hard to get an agreement that provides some additional benefits and compensation for members", says Darryl Walker, BCGEU president. "I remain disappointed the government did not make more effort in this round of talks to recognize the value of the services these workers provide in the health care system and the need for market adjustments."