Update for BCGEU Members Employed by Island Health 

Island Health faces a budget shortfall of $12 million for 2016/17, which will rise to a projected $20 million deficit in fiscal 2017/18. These concerning figures were contained in a memo sent to senior Island Health leadership by President & CEO Brendan Carr, and recently received by the BCGEU.

BCGEU is concerned about this situation: a budget shortfall of $32 million in provincial government by the end of the next fiscal year presents significant workplace challenges and will ultimately put patients at risk. By legislation, Island Health is not allowed to run a deficit, yet the health authority is clearly underfunded.

The union has been advised that Island Health human resources will be working with their program leaders to ensure that any budget strategies being considered are compliant with the relevant collective agreements.  The memo instructs senior leadership to find savings and says that while no staff will lose their jobs, managers are encouraged to not fill vacancies.

The BCGEU believes that hiring freezes and restrictions on the use of overtime will likely only exacerbate workload pressures at Island Health. Existing workload pressures in some areas are so significant that Island Health is requiring members to work overtime. 

The news of the financial pressures facing Island Health has generated considerable media attention and public comment, including from the official opposition.

The BCGEU will continue to monitor the situation at Island Health through our labour management committees.

Members are encouraged to pass along feedback and comments to the BCGEU through your stewards and local officers.