The multi-union facilities bargaining committee will be taking a break from talks after logging six months of bargaining for a new collective agreement.
 
Despite strong momentum at the bargaining table, the FBA unions are pausing negotiations to show support to BCGEU members who issued 72-hours strike notice to their employer, the Public Service Agency (PSA) on Friday afternoon. 72-hours strike notice does not apply to our bargaining unit and only affects members who work for B.C.’s Public Service.
 
As workers in the Public Service are set to take job action this afternoon, what they win will benefit all public sector union members in bargaining this year including our own negotiations. Our solidary and support at this time is essential.
 
In the last few weeks, your committee has been engaged in active and productive discussions with the employer on inflation-fighting wage increases, improvements to various premiums and allowances, and addressing the impact of historic wage cuts on health care workers.
 
We’ve also secured agreements with the employer in areas including employee-initiated rotation and schedule changes, work from home arrangements, a more comprehensive complaints investigation process, and improvements to maternity and parental leave.
 
In addition, we have agreed to new language to empower members in tackling harassment and new tools to reduce six-day rotations and make other scheduling changes that improve work-life balance and reduce burnout.
 
Again, our negotiations at the facilities bargaining table are now on pause. Dates for the resumption of talks have not yet been scheduled.
 
In solidarity,
 
Your Facilities Bargaining Association Bargaining Committee

UWU/MoveUP