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"We demanded the premier and health minister reverse their decision, but it fell on deaf ears," Walker said. "We plan to raise it again—but with a new government."
Vancouver (19 April 2013) – The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) is preparing for negotiations over agreements to protect the rights and working conditions of members at Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (FPH), Oak Bay Lodge and The Lodge at Broadmead when these facilities are transferred to the health aurhorities from the provincial public service on June 1.
"While we continue to oppose this senseless act by the B.C. Liberal government, we need to make sure there are agreements in place that clearly set out the terms of employment before any transfers take place," said Darryl Walker, BCGEU President.
"Our negotiators are currently in discussions with the employers over how best to do this. They are setting meeting dates. They are consulting with the appropriate component chairpersons. And they are meeting with members to hear their concerns and provide information."
The BCGEU/NUPGE will negotiate transfer agreements to cover members at FPH and Oak Bay Lodge. Both facilities will be placed in the Health Services and Support Facilities Subsector Bargaining Association.
The Lodge at Broadmead will become a stand-alone bargaining unit and will be a successor to the provisions of the public service master and component agreements.
Walker said the BCGEU/NUPGE has a lot of experience in negotiating transfer and "meld" agreements.
"Sadly, this isn't the first time we've had to deal with the transfer of our members out of the public service," Walker said.
"Over the past 12 years, the B.C. Liberals have hived off several areas of government—to the broader public sector including health authorities, as well as the private sector—without any consideration of the impact on workers. In every instance, we opposed these decisions. But we're dealing with a government that is intent on devolving important public services."
The union was blind-sided in February when the government passed legislation removing FPH from coverage under the Public Service Act, and was dismayed when just days later, we found out Oak Bay Lodge and Broadmead were also being removed.
The union maintains all three facilities should stay in direct control of the Province. "Forensics is a secure facility for the criminally insane—individuals who have committed the most heinous acts of violence, like Allan Schoenborn and Clifford Olson—and plays a key role in B.C.'s justice system. The Lodge at Broadmead and Oak Bay Lodge provide critical services to veterans and seniors. These facilities have been an important part of the public service for decades, and should stay there," Walker said.
"We demanded the premier and health minister reverse their decision, but it fell on deaf ears," Walker said. "We plan to raise it again—but with a new government."
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