Another week of contract talks for a new facilities subsector collective agreement wrapped up with the multi-union bargaining committee pushing for stronger language on health and safety (including mental health) and workload.
The unions tabled counter-proposals on:
- respectful workplaces;
- psychological health and safety;
- workload;
- dealing with aggressive patients; and
- sexual and domestic violence leaves.
“Right now, health care workers are off sick with COVID in numbers we haven’t seen since January, and it’s compounding the chronic fatigue and mental burnout that impact so many,” says HEU secretary-business manager Meena Brisard, also spokesperson for the Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA).
“Addressing workplace safety – including workload and improving our psychological health supports in our collective agreement – is critical to keeping our health care system functioning in communities large and small.”
Bargaining resumes on June 7, and negotiations are scheduled through the end of the month.
Meanwhile, HEU is close to finalizing essential services levels. The union negotiates essential services with employers, and they must get Labour Relations Board approval. Designating a list of essential service positions at each work site is required, prior to any possible job action taking place.
Also this week, HEU emailed facilities subsector members the highlights of a recent telephone townhall, held for union local executives, where Brisard provided an overview of bargaining along with recent updates.
If you didn’t get the email, you can listen to it here.