Healthcare Bargaining

We are pleased to provide you with an update on our bargaining preparations. Over two days in November, your Bargaining Committee met to thoroughly review the results of the bargaining survey you participated in over the summer, as well as the valuable feedback gathered during the three-day Bargaining Conference held in September. This conference saw participation from leaders across our province, fostering collaboration and shared goals.

After analyzing a wealth of information, the committee brought forward proposals and member concerns since last round and has developed a comprehensive proposal document that will be submitted to our lead negotiator. This document reflects the priorities and concerns you expressed in your survey responses and discussions, ensuring your voices are at the forefront of our bargaining strategy.

Some Top Bargaining Items Include:
• Wage Increases
• Scheduling improvements
• Occupational Health and Safety improvements
• Benefits
• Vacation
• Appropriate time to perform tasks needed to do your jobs

As a proud member of the Health Services Community Association of Unions, which includes seven other unions and stands as the second largest within the association, UFCW1518 is committed to advocating for the best interests of all our members. We anticipate that meetings with the employer, the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC), and our fellow unions will commence early next year.

Your Bargaining Committee consists of:

Linda Wilson, Community Health Worker, Port Alberni Home Support.
Union Executive Board Member since 2017. On the OH&S Working Group and trustee Joint Community Benefits Trust
Bargaining Committee Member 2018, 2022 and 2025.

Eleanor Smith, Penticton Home Support 38 years.
Union Executive Board Member for more than 15 years.
Has been involved with every collective agreement since UFCW 1518 started organizing and bargaining our first independent agreement (prior to the association) in 1988.

Connie Buckner Samuels, Home Support Team Lead at Cowichan Home Support
Union Executive Board Member for 25 years.
Bargained the last 6 rounds, rolled out previous agreements and sits on the CBA Admin, Recruitment and Retention and Health and Safety Committees.

Your continued support and engagement are crucial as we move forward in this process. Together, we can work towards securing a fair and equitable agreement that reflects the needs of our members.

In solidarity,

Leonard Cody, Bargaining Committee Liaison