BURNABY – CUPE Community Social Services (CSS) workers and Community Health workers each have negotiated employee programs that are being rolled out today.
Community Social Services EIP Program
The mandatory Employment Intervention Program (EIP) for CSS workers has been extended for the next five years as of today. If CUPE workers in the sector are unable to work due to illness or injury, they must take part in the EIP program.
The employer contends that under the terms of the program, failure to participate could affect an employee’s approval for disability plans and benefits.
Research has shown that participation in an employment intervention program can result in better health, diminish time away from a productive work life and pinpoint the most effective treatments available.
The Community Social Services Bargaining Association will be monitoring the impacts of the EIP through a joint union-employer group review committee that will make any needed adjustments to ensure the program better serves the members.
Community Health EDMP Program
Today also marks the launch of the Enhanced Disability Management Program (EDMP) for CUPE Community Health workers employed in BC health authorities.
The EDMP was negotiated in the 2012 round of bargaining. The program has proven successful when delivered to health care workers in other subsectors, including Health Science Professionals and Facilities subsectors.
The EDMP provides customized support and services to address medical, personal, workplace and vocational issues that keep members from fully engaging in the workplace.
The EDMP will roll out to members in the Community Health Subsector in phases, the first of which starts today with Community Health workers in provincial health authorities to be referred to the EDMP if they are off work, or struggling at work, due to medical or non-medical barriers. Members who miss a shift due to an occupational injury/illness, or five consecutive shifts due to a non-occupational injury/illness, will be referred and required to participate in the program. Further phases are still under discussion.
