Bargaining representatives from the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) met this week with the Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC) in Vancouver to review priorities and begin negotiations. Bargaining proposals were tabled Thursday morning to achieve a new collective agreement with members in community health.
 
"We are off to a very positive start," says BCGEU Component 8 Vice President Scott DeLong. "After 16 years of neglect of the community health services that British Columbians rely on, we have now entered into a more positive negotiating climate, with the employer making clear that the work of community health workers is valued."
 
Bargaining proposals will push for increased funding and benefits and seek to address the critical issues of recruitment and retention, as well as precarious work schedules. It was also recognized by both parties that building a more robust community health sector is essential for accommodating an aging population.
 
The Community Bargaining Association represents roughly 16,000 employees working in community health around the province, the majority of whom are represented by the BCGEU. Other unions at the table are UFCW, HEU, CUPE, HSA, USWA, CLAC and BCNU. Your existing collective agreement expires on March 31, 2019.
 
Bargaining is scheduled to continue for approximately five weeks, and we will keep you updated on the progress.


 
In solidarity,
 
Your Community Health Bargaining Committee:
 
Sussanne Skidmore, Executive Vice President
Scott DeLong, Component 8 Vice President, Vancouver Island Health Authority
Florentina Kelly, Fraser Health Authority
Laurie Proudfoot, Interior Health Authority
Susanne Bellefontaine, Northern Health Authority
MJ Colquhuon, Fraser Health Authority
Darlene Gallant, Vancouver Island Health Authority
Masoud Aminzavvar, Community Health Services
Emily Luther, BCGEU Staff Representative
Deb Wilson, BCGEU Staff Representative
Brent Camilleri, BCGEU Coordinator – Negotiations