Here are some frequently asked questions with answers for HEU members impacted by the creation of the new BC Shared Health Services agency (BCSHS) and what it may mean for you.
This FAQ is based on the information currently available. Details may change as we receive further information from employers.
General overview
- What is BCSHS, and why is this happening?
The province is creating a new shared services organization called BC Shared Health Services to coordinate certain non-clinical corporate and administrative services on behalf of the health authorities. The province’s stated goals are to reduce duplication, standardize processes, and direct more resources to front-line patient care.
- What kinds of services may move to BCSHS?
The province has identified corporate and support services that may transfer in whole or in part, including legal services, supply chain, finance, human resources, information management and information technology (IMIT), data and analytics, health system planning, and digital communications.
- Who would my employer be?
The new shared services organization is BC Shared Health Services (BCSHS). If your position transfers, your employer could change from your current health authority to BCSHS -- even if your worksite and day-to-day work stay the same.
- What is in scope for the first phase of the transition?
The first phase focuses on:
- IMIT, except biomedical engineering and clinical informatics;
- Finance teams responsible for accounts payable and accounts receivable; and
- Supply chain.
In addition, BCSHS will assume responsibility for the BC Health Workday project as part of human resources, though many staff supporting the project remain on existing secondment agreements for now.
- Is BCSHS part of the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC)?
Yes. The current information says BCSHS is a health sector employer and is working with HEABC to support smooth transitions.
- If I’m an HEU member, will I still be covered by the FBA collective agreement after I transfer?
The current information says bargaining unit employees of BCSHS will be covered by the FBA collective agreement as health authority employees.
Who is impacted
- My health authority uses different terms for these services. How do I know if I’m included?
We are told that the employer is conducting workforce mapping and it is intended to match positions based on the actual functions performed (not just department names). If your role is in scope, you should be identified through that mapping and receive direct communication.
- Am I definitely “in scope” if I work in information management and information technology, supply chain, accounts payable/accounts receivable, or Workday and human resources?
Not necessarily. Employers have identified these service areas for early transfers, but we do not yet have confirmed lists of specific teams, classifications, or individual positions. The union will receive a list of all members and positions transferring. You should be contacted directly if your role is identified for transfer.
Timelines and how you’ll be notified
- When would transfers to BCSHS happen?
For phase one, staff transitions are expected to start between June and November 2026. Please note, not all phase one services will transition at the same time.
- When will I know if I’m transferring to BCSHS or staying with my current employer?
Health employers are working on which positions are in scope. Employers say transfers will occur in phases starting summer 2026, and detailed planning will confirm who is affected in phase one.
HEU is also expecting a formal Article 17 notice under the FBA collective agreement establishing an alternate service delivery (ASD) committee. The employer will be required to engage with HEU in discussions to reach a transfer agreement and labour adjustment agreement to minimize the impacts these changes will have on members.
- How will updates be communicated?
HEU will be providing regular updates and members can also reach out to their shop steward. Employers advise that people who are directly impacted are expected to receive direct emails. More frequent updates are also expected on their all-staff SharePoint site. A dedicated email channel is available for questions at HSTP@gov.bc.ca.
Pay, benefits, seniority, and time off
- If I transfer to BCSHS, will my pay, benefits, pension, vacation, and seniority change?
Provisions in the collective agreement relating to transfers will protect seniority, vacation entitlements and accrual, pensions, and other benefits like service for severance, sick leave banks, and special leave banks. For many members, we are being told the day-one change may be the employer name only, with the same pay, benefits, and coverage. HEU is seeking written clarity on how this will be implemented and how any future changes will be carried out.
- Does my seniority reset when I move to BCSHS?
Seniority will be maintained. All related matters are expected to be addressed through labour adjustment discussions and negotiations between HEABC and HEU.
- Will vacation already approved before my transfer be honoured after I transfer?
The current information says pre-approved vacation will be honoured.
- What if I’m on leave when my area transfers to BCSHS?
You will transfer and return to work with the new employer when you return from the leave. There may be exceptions, for example, members on long-term disability may have other rights around transferring on return to work. The union will discuss these issues with employers during the negotiation of a transfer and labour adjustment agreement.
- If different health authorities have different pay rates for similar roles, will pay be equalized?
The employer says this has not been finalized. The union will discuss these issues with employers during the negotiation of a transfer and labour adjustment agreement
Job security, staffing changes, and reporting relationships
- Will I lose my job if my service area moves to BCSHS? Are layoffs expected?
The current information says the intent is to retain workers wherever possible, and wide-ranging layoffs are not intended. HEU has also been told there are no immediate layoffs planned as part of the initial transfer. HEU is pressing for binding, long-term protections -- including safeguards against contracting-out and privatization.
- Will my job description or day-to-day duties change right away?
HEU understands there will be no changes initially and we will raise these questions for clarification from employers as we proceed with our discussions and negotiations.
- Who will I report to after I transfer?
Current information indicates there are no changes intended in reporting but this may evolve over time as BCSHS is established.
- What if my job is redesigned, merged, reclassified, or I’m told to apply for a “new” position?
Contact your shop steward and/or HEU staff representative right away so we can advise and address the issue.
Work location and remote work
- Will I be required to change work locations or move to a different community?
Current information says staff will remain working where they worked before and no positions will be relocated out of anyone’s community. Over time, there may be options to co-locate teams within the same community.
- Will remote or hybrid work continue?
Early guidance indicates day-to-day work arrangements (on-site, remote, or hybrid) are expected to remain largely the same at first, but we don’t have confirmed details yet. Longer-term changes, if any, are expected to be communicated in advance.
Because changes to work location, scheduling, or remote/hybrid arrangements can have major impacts, HEU is pressing for clarity; if you hear of proposed changes, share them with your HEU staff representative.
Where to get help
- Who can I contact with questions right now?
You can contact your HEU shop steward for advice on your situation. For information from the employer you can use the email question channel HSTP@gov.bc.ca, watch for direct emails if you are in scope, and check your all-staff SharePoint updates.
- What should I do if I’m asked to sign something, fill out a survey, or confirm information about my role?
It may be routine -- but don’t feel pressured. If it relates to a transfer, new position, placement, or reporting relationship, pause and contact your shop steward and/or HEU staff representative. If possible, keep a copy or screenshot of what you were asked to sign or submit.
- How do I get help or make sure my question is raised?
Start with your HEU shop steward. The most helpful details to share include your department or team, your classification, what you were told (and by whom), and any written materials (emails, FAQs, organizational charts, notices, etc.).