This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
"The bargaining committee was committed to addressing the priorities that members established prior to bargaining. They made some difficult choices and members agree that under the circumstances this is a fair and reasonable agreement."
Vancouver (21 Feb. 2013) - Workers in the community health sector in B.C. have voted 86 per cent in favour of a two-year contract that provides an across the board wage increase and improved workplace and scheduling provisions.
The agreement comes after one year of difficult negotiations with the Health Employers Association of B.C. (HEABC). Ratification votes were held across the province over the past four weeks. Highlights include:
- three per cent wage increase for all employees (two per cent upon ratification and one per cent on April 1, 2013);
- improved scheduling provisions;
- improved grievance arbitration language;
- respectful workplace provisions;
- elimination of a double probationary period for casuals; and
- protection for casuals in the event of retendering.
The Community Bargaining Association (CBA) represents more than 14,000 members, the majority of whom are represented by the B.C. Government and General Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE). Other unions at the table include the Health Sciences Association of B.C. (HSABC/NUPGE), the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), the Hosptial Employees' Union (HEU), the Canadian Union of Public Employess (CUPE), and the United Steelworkers (USW).
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE