New bargaining dates have been set, and the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) is heading back to the table with momentum, unity and a strong strike mandate.
The bargaining committee is scheduled to meet with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) from January 19 - 23. Additional bargaining dates are booked for February 2 - 6 and February 17 - 20.
With a powerful strike vote in hand, the bargaining committee is returning to negotiations focused on securing meaningful movement in this first week back at the table. No matter what community-based service members work in, the shared goal remains clear. Reaching a fair agreement that delivers the stability, respect and fairness CBA workers deserve.
Key bargaining priorities:
The bargaining committee will continue to push for improvements in four key areas identified by members:
Fair finding for benefits
Community health workers deserve a fully funded benefits trust, like workers covered by the Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA) agreement, with benefit funding retroactive to 2021.
Fair access to overtime
Overtime opportunities must be allocated fairly. Expanding overtime by seniority will reduce assignments based on convenience or personal relationships and ensure transparency and fairness.
Protection against ‘gig work’ scheduling
Community health workers deserve fixed shifts and protected breaks, just like other health care workers have had for decades. Strong language is needed to prevent employers from returning to the precarious gig-style scheduling workers endured for 30 years.
Equal pay for equal work
Wages, shift premiums, vacation and other monetary entitlements must be brought up to the same level as other HEABC health care workers doing the same work, ensuring fairness and equity across the sector.
At the CBA bargaining table, committee members Nicole Russell, Lisa Bouma and Donna Zmaeff represent HEU’s community health members, along with servicing representatives Brenda Brown and Tasha Whenham.
HEU community health members are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date at heu.org/change-contact-information to stay informed throughout bargaining.
The Community Bargaining Association includes BCGEU (the lead), CUPE, HEU, UFCW, HSA, BCNU and USW, representing more than 23,000 health care workers across the province.