BCGEU and the United Way of the Lower Mainland (UWLM) have reached an interim agreement regarding the UWLM's provincially-funded Better at Home program.

Better at Home is a program that assists seniors with daily tasks, helping them to continue living independently in their own homes. UWLM manages the program, and local non-profit organizations provide the services.

In order to ensure the clear delineation of the work of Better at Home volunteers and the work of BCGEU members, the agreement states that aside from services such as friendly visiting, light yard work, minor home repairs, transportation, snow shoveling, grocery shopping, and other similar tasks, the Better at Home program will not offer services that overlap with the work performed by our community health workers.

It was also agreed that to the greatest extent possible, only unionized workers will provide services in the Better at Home program.

"Both the BCGEU and the UWLM will continue working together towards improving the level of care provided to BC's seniors, and advocating for the best quality services" said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith.

 BCGEU President Stephanie Smith with Michael McKnight, President & CEO of United Way of the Lower Mainland.

 Local467/MoveUP