What is sectoral bargaining?
Unlike traditional or “independent” collective agreements that cover BCGEU members working for one employer, these agreements cover entire sectors of the B.C. economy with multiple employers and, in some cases, multiple unions. Our union refers to these agreements as “sectoral agreements” and the process of negotiating them as “sectoral bargaining”.
Seven sectors of workers are included in this process: the BC Public Service, Community Health, Community Social Services, Post-secondary, Health Facilities, Health Science Professionals and Nurses.
Because each agreement covers thousands of BCGEU members, sectoral bargaining is an opportunity for us to work together to win needed improvements and set a higher standard that crosses sectoral lines and is felt beyond the public sector.
What is the bargaining process?
Successful bargaining involves BCGEU members at every stage of the process. From sharing concerns in bargaining surveys to participating in solidarity events and taking job action, engaged members give bargaining committees the power they need at the table to achieve a strong and fair agreement. Check out the graphic outlining the process.
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A few definitions:
- Table: union members covered by the same collective agreement
- Local: union members of an occupational grouping in a particular geographic area
- Component: members in an occupational sector
- Bargaining committee: union members elected to bargain with employer(s)
- Impasse: When our union and employer are unable to reach an agreement
How can I get involved?
The amount of power we have in bargaining is directly related to our solidarity. Your engagement in the bargaining process makes a big difference.
- Complete a bargaining survey
- Prepare a bargaining proposal
- Provide your up-to-date personal contact information in the BCGEU Member Portal
- Ask questions, talk with colleagues, know the bargaining process
- Follow your bargaining committee’s strategic directions
- Volunteer as a worksite contact and picket captain
- Download and print this poster for your worksite's union board (choose the size and colour version based on size of bulletin board and your printer):
- Full page (8.5 x 11 in), colour or black and white
- Half page (5.5 x 8.5 in), colour or black and white
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