VANCOUVER—CUPE’s Community Health bargaining committee is recommending rejection of the tentative agreement reached with the Liberal government and the BCGEU last week.
The tentative agreement offers no general wage increases for two years and trades off hard-won existing benefits for new benefits. For example, a new 25 cent per hour weekend shift premium is being established while the benefit for Long Term Disability coverage for disabled employees is being reduced to 19 months from 24 months.
“This government is oblivious to workers who are underpaid and overworked and to the value of public health services in our communities,” says CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill. “They are ignoring their mandate to provide services to those most vulnerable.”
CUPE’s Community Health Sector locals will be voting on the tentative agreement over the next few weeks. CUPE 4816 is holding an information meeting and vote on Tuesday, January 19 at 5:15pm at #300 – 4946 Canada Way in the third floor Education Room. Members will have an additional opportunity to vote during site visits at Blackberry Drive, New Canadian Clinic (Edmonds), and the New West Health Unit on Wednesday, January 20 sometime between the hours of 11:30am and 2pm.
CUPE 3495 will hold an information meeting and vote on Wednesday, January 20 at noon at the BCPWA board room.
CUPE 15 will hold an information meeting and vote on Thursday, January 21 at 5pm in Room 5 of the Italian Cultural Centre (3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver). Members will have an additional opportunity to vote on Friday, January 22 at the CUPE 15 office (545 West 10th Avenue) between 8:30am and 1pm.
CUPE 3403-01’s meeting and vote date have not been finalized.
Download the comprehensive report to CUPE members or get a printable version of the tentative agreement.
