Community health negotiations slowed by employers’ lack of preparation

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.

"We are very disappointed with the employers’ apparent lack of preparation for this round of bargaining," said BCGEU president Darryl Walker.   

“We came prepared because it’s vital that our members get a fair deal in a reasonable amount of time.”

"We have been at the table for two weeks but the employers have not tabled any specific proposals and they are slow to respond to our proposals," said Carla Dempsey, chair of the BCGEU Community Health Component. 

"Our contract expires at the end of March and we don't see signs that we will reach agreement soon."

Talks resume next Tuesday in Vancouver and additional dates have been set through to the end of March.

The Community Bargaining Association represents 14,000 members, the majority of whom are represented by the BCGEU.  Other Unions at the table are UFCW, HEU, CUPE, HSA, and USWA.

Please visit our Bargaining 2012 web page for bargaining updates.