Clark government moves to restructure health bargaining units

“The B.C. Liberal government’s failure to consult with the affected unions is undemocratic and an affront to workers’ representational rights,” says BCGEU President Darryl Walker. “This legislative session is almost over and they’ve tabled this bill at the last minute.”

Vancouver (08 March 2013) – A move by the B.C. Liberal government to fundamentally change the way that workers are represented in the health sector was done without consultation with workers and their unions.

Bill 18 – the Health Authorities Amendment Act – was introduced March 4 for first reading. The tabled legislative amendments would transfer licensed practical nurses from the multi-union Community Bargaining Association (CBA) and Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA) to another bargaining unit.

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) represents hundreds of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in the Community Agreement and the Facilities Agreement.

“The B.C. Liberal government’s failure to consult with the affected unions is undemocratic and an affront to workers’ representational rights,” says BCGEU President Darryl Walker. “This legislative session is almost over and they’ve tabled this bill at the last minute.”

Prior to the last major restructuring of health bargaining units in the late 1990s, government struck two major inquiries to consult with stakeholders before implementing the current structure.

This legislation was introduced for March 4 for first reading. All LPN members' collective agreements are currently in full force and effect. BCGEU/NUPGE will continue to monitor developments and inform members.

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