A town hall was hosted by UFCW 1518 on October 16 to update Community Health Workers (CHWs) on bargaining progress with HEABC.
Main speakers:
- Patrick Johnson, UFCW 1518 President
- Ronda Melbourne, UFCW 1518 Secretary-Treasurer
- Connie Samuels, Bargaining Committee Member
- Ed Cabral, Union Representative
Executive Highlights
Patrick Johnson announced a strike vote will be called in the coming weeks due to lack of progress in negotiations, with the exact date to be determined.
- The union expressed disappointment with the employer and government over stalled bargaining and lack of progress on union priorities, including wage equity with facility workers.
- Members were urged to provide or update personal emails to union to receive strike vote credentials and to participate in the upcoming vote.
- Members can update their email address by emailing reception@ufcw1518.com
- Essential services during a potential strike were explained, emphasizing that care for critical clients would continue.
- The Q&A covered topics including workload, essential service classification, strike logistics, pay, and how member communication can support strong voter turnout.
Key Updates
Patrick Johnson – UFCW 1518 President
- Expressed disappointment that bargaining with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) had reached an impasse, which means progress has stalled completely.
- Explained that UFCW 1518 is one of eight unions at the bargaining table and is seeking parity with other health care workers.
- Announced a strike vote will be called in the coming weeks due to lack of progress in negotiations, with the exact date to be determined.
- Emphasized the importance of a high strike vote turnout to show unity and strength to the employer and government.
- Clarified that a strike vote does not automatically mean a strike — it’s a leverage tool to use in negotiations.
- Encouraged members to ensure the union has their personal email addresses (not work emails) to receive strike vote credentials and updates.
- Outlined plans for continued communication via Zoom, phone banking, and in-person meetings before the vote closes on November 27.
Connie Samuels – Bargaining Committee Member
- Provided a recap of bargaining: roughly 30 days at the table with minimal progress from HEABC.
- Shared the union’s top four proposals:
- Removal of the Investment Return Guarantee on the Benefits Trust (to allow higher interest returns).
- Expanded mobility between health authorities, not just within them.
- Overtime by seniority.
- Wage equity with facility workers.
- Noted that the employer rejected or stalled most proposals.
- Urged members to vote strongly “Yes” in the strike vote, calling it the union’s key source of leverage.
- Encouraged members to update their contact information to receive voting credentials.
Ed Cabral – Union Representative
- Explained essential services: every UFCW-represented site already has essential service levels set by the Labour Board.
- These levels are based on client needs, not individual workers.
- Example: palliative clients and those with open wounds continue receiving care; respite services may be reduced if family support exists.
- Before any job action, essential service lists will be updated to reflect new or changed clients.
- Confirmed that many CHWs would still provide care during a strike because of essential service designations.
- Emphasized that client safety and fairness guide all essential service decisions.
Member Q&A
Q1 – Member, Richmond: We’re being asked to take on housekeeping and cooking duties for clients even though there’s no pay increase. How is that fair?
Patrick Johnson: Agreed that workers are being asked to do more for less. He said this highlights why the union is pushing for fair compensation and recognition of expanded duties.
Q2 – Member, Kamloops: During COVID, we weren’t classified as essential, but now for a strike we are. Why are we sometimes essential and sometimes not?
Patrick Johnson: Explained that “essential” in labour terms means work that cannot stop because it would endanger clients. COVID-era “essential worker” was a public health term.
Ed Cabral: Added that essential status for strikes is tied to client needs, not government labels.
Q3 – Member, Online: Our unit’s client levels have changed since August. How do we know what essential service levels apply now?
Ed Cabral: Explained that client needs change constantly; the union and employer will review each case before any job action to ensure lists reflect current realities.
Q4 – Member, Online: What if the employer or case manager lies about client needs to reduce strike impact?
Ed Cabral: Said the union involves stewards and frontline workers in reviewing client lists to ensure accuracy. Shared an example where management exaggerated “personal care” to include non-essential grooming.
Q5 – Member, Kelowna: How is it decided who provides care for essential clients, and who goes on strike? How does pay work?
Patrick Johnson: Explained that if members are working during a strike, they continue to receive regular pay. Strike pay will apply to those not working and will be paid by the union.
Ed Cabral: Added that who works will depend on client needs and internal coordination; the collective agreement doesn’t apply during a dispute.
Q6 – Member, Nanaimo: Who decides what care is appropriate for a client? Some clients are doing complex medical tasks themselves because no nurses are available.
Patrick Johnson: Said the issue should be discussed with the member’s union rep due to health and safety concerns.
Ed Cabral: Explained that if there’s disagreement over essential levels, the union can take the issue to the Labour Board for resolution.
Q7 – Member, Nanaimo: How are schedulers affected by a strike?
Ed Cabral: Explained that schedulers would work with the union to assign essential shifts; the union becomes responsible for strike scheduling.
Connie Samuels: Added that essential service levels usually apply proportionally (e.g., 80% of clients = 80% of CHWs and schedulers).
Q8 – Member, Nelson: What happens if the strike vote doesn’t pass?
Patrick Johnson: Said a “No” vote would weaken bargaining power; the employer would assume workers accept the current offer. A strong “Yes” gives leverage for improvements.
Q9 – Member, Nanaimo: Was UFCW 1518 represented at the Fair Care Alliance rally?
Patrick Johnson: Said he hadn’t heard details but would look into whether the union participated.
Q10 – Member, Prince George: What does a rotating strike mean? Where would we picket?
Patrick Johnson: Explained picket locations depend on worksites. The union would avoid blocking hospitals or care access. In some cases, members might join existing picket lines at other sites.
Q11 – Member, Enderby: Can I email co-workers through work email to encourage a Yes vote?
Patrick Johnson: Encouraged members to use personal contacts but said informal discussions at work are fine. If management interferes, members should contact their union rep.Q12 – Member, Online: Why are we here? What are we asking for?
Patrick Johnson: Reiterated that UFCW 1518 is fighting for wage parity, a fair increase beyond 2% per year, and recognition of CHWs’ essential role.
