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“It’s important that health employers recognize the sacrifices that workers have had to make in previous rounds of bargaining and that we reach a fair deal that compensates these losses.”
Burnaby (08 Feb. 2012) - Unions representing 43,000 B.C. health care workers met with employers and government to begin negotiations for a new collective agreement yesterday.
The Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU) will lead the 12-union Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA) in talks aimed at improving working and caring conditions for a diverse range of workers.
B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) President Darryl Walker is calling on health employers to commit to reaching a fair contract in this round of bargaining.
“Because of privatization and cuts to health care, workers in this sector have seen increased instability, wages that have not kept up with rate of inflation and threats to job security,” says Walker.
“It’s important that health employers recognize the sacrifices that workers have had to make in previous rounds of bargaining and that we reach a fair deal that compensates these losses.”
The unions are also looking to improve health and safety measures in workplaces that are the most dangerous in the province in terms of injury rates and acts of violence.
The FBA represents the largest single group of B.C. public sector workers heading to the table in the current round of negotiations for contracts expiring March 31, 2012.
The talks cover health care workers in hospitals, residential care facilities and in consolidated health services shared across multiple health employers, as well as the BC Ambulance Service.
The diverse bargaining unit of more than 270 job classifications includes care aides, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), ambulance paramedics, health records staff, laboratory and other diagnostic specialists, sterile supply technicians, emergency dispatch personnel, trades and maintenance workers, activity aides and rehab assistants, IT specialists, pharmacy technicians, admitting and booking clerks, administrative staff, cleaning and dietary staff, and many others.
BCGEU/NUPGE represents over 2000 members covered by the facilities agreement.
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