The BC Government & Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) is disappointed to see today's launch of the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) campaign opposing the provincial government's decision to bring home support services in-house under the Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and Vancouver Island Health authorities.

The BCGEU has been lobbying to bring home care support workers under government employment for over two decades and enthusiastically welcomes this excellent public policy decision that will provide greater security to workers, and better care to B.C. seniors.

"This attempt to block much needed reform to a sector in crisis, and to better support home support workers is appalling," says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. "We realize the business interests of the BCCPA will be affected by this change, but it's time to put the well-being of people over profit, and address the damage resulting from almost 20 years privatization and underfunding in the sector."

The BCGEU will be working closely with the health authorities over the next 12-18 months to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible and works in a way that supports both workers and clients.

The BCGEU represents approximately 4,800 home support workers across the province.

See our March 14, 2019 media release: BCGEU celebrates announcement to bring home support workers under government employment