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a guide to HEALTHCARE bargaining

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Bargaining for workers in the healthcare sector differs significantly from other bargaining units in UFCW 1518.

Years ago, numerous contracts existed across the province, with each unit bargaining independently with their employer. However, the government mandated healthcare bargaining into associations, rather than having separate contracts. These associations unify the voices of thousands of healthcare workers, utilizing the collective power of workers around the province to leverage agreements that put workers first.

As a member of UFCW 1518, you fall under one of two bargaining associations: the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) or the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA).

Community Health Sector Workers

Members in community health are employed by the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC). For bargaining purposes, these members are part of an association called the Community Bargaining Association (CBA).

In addition to UFCW 1518, workers in this sector are represented by The British Columbia Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU), the Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU), the Health Sciences Association (HSA), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the United Steelworkers (USW) and the BC Nurses Union (BCNU).

Community Social Services Workers

Members who are employed by Community Social Services Employers’ Association of BC (CSSEA) are represented by a bargaining association called Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA).

In addition to UFCW 1518, workers in this sector are also represented by The British Columbia Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU), the Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU), the Health Sciences Association (HSA), the United Steel Workers (USW), the BC Nurses Union (BCNU), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Construction and Specialized Workers’ Union (CSWU).

The Bargaining Process

Health sector bargaining follows a similar approach whether you are a member of the CBA or CSSBA.

This process can take anywhere from a few weeks, to several months.

Regardless of the length of bargaining, UFCW 1518 representatives are involved at every step to ensure your voice is heard.

1
Bargaining Committee

In both bargaining associations (CSSBA and CBA), workers from all of the member unions are represented by a single bargaining committee who fights for a fair contract at the bargaining table.

UFCW 1518 representatives are selected to sit on this committee alongside representatives from other unions. These representatives have years of skill and proficiency in the contract they are bargaining. – their goal is to make the specific concerns of our members heard, and ensure any proposals takes your priorities into account.

2
Bargaining Surveys

All workers have the right to make their voice heard in the bargaining process. As such, the member unions distribute surveys to their membership to take account of priorities, feedback, and what their members are looking for in a potential agreement.

Your input is essential to the priorities and proposals your representatives will make to the wider bargaining committee.

3
Developing Our Proposal

Following their surveys, union representatives and bargaining committee members develop proposals that take the specific concerns of their membership into account.

These proposals are then presented to the Chair of the bargaining committee. Following submission of these proposals, the bargaining committee meets, and over the course of several days, review the proposals made by each member union.

In this meeting, your UFCW 1518 representatives will present the key priorities and issues brought forward by our members – ensuring that your voice is heard at the bargaining table.

This process can take several days in order to ensure all unions have the opportunity to share their priorities. 

4
A Unified Proposal

Following the presentation of each member union's proposals, the bargaining committee will discuss priorities, identify common goals, and synthesize these proposals into a single unified CBA or CSSBA proposal.

As a bargaining association, members across different workplaces, regions, and professions are represented – it is important that any proposal takes all workers into account and ensures a fair deal for the entire health sector.

5
Set Bargaining Dates

Now, with the voice of all members heard, and united behind a single proposal, your bargaining association is prepared to bargain.

Your bargaining association then sets dates, with their respective employer, to begin the bargaining process.

 

Bargaining associations bargain separately with their respective employer – including setting different bargaining dates.

6
At the Bargaining Table

This is where collective agreements are built. While the bargaining committee comes to the table with a proposal, so do the employers.

The employer presents a proposal, and outlines a specific budget. Our objective is to address the priorities of our members on a provincial level within these financial constraints.

At the bargaining table, your committee negotiates with the employer on key issues ranging from scheduling and vacation, to wages and benefits.

The bargaining process begins with non-monetary items, then proceeds to monetary items. In the stage, your bargaining committee is united behind a single proposal, and utilizes the collective strength of thousands of members to fight for an agreement that puts workers first.

7
Tentative Agreement is Reached

Following extensive negotiation, a tentative agreement is eventually developed. 

This agreement is a draft contract that has been agreed to by your association's bargaining committee – UFCW 1518 representatives have a voice at every step in the process.

8
Health Workers Cast Their Votes

Once a tentative agreement is reached, workers across British Columbia get to have a say on whether their bargaining association should ratify any potential contract.

The tentative agreement will be circulated with members before they are emailed voting credentials by their union, along with a link to the webpage where they can cast their vote.

Your participation at this step is crucial. This is your opportunity to help decide whether the association goes back to the bargaining table, or whether they accept the agreement and end bargaining.

9
Votes Are Tabulated

Once the poll closes, votes are tabulated by the bargaining association and compiled into a decision.

If members choose to reject the tentative agreement, thethe bargaining committee returns to negotiations with the employer until a new agreement is developed and members are again presented the opportunity to vote.

If enough members vote "Yes", the tentative agreement is ratified and bargaining is complete!

Agreement is Ratified!

Once enough members vote "Yes", the tentative agreement is ratified!

Following ratification, the tentative agreement becomes a collective agreement!

10
Implementing an Agreement

Even after an agreement is ratified, the work doesn't end there.

In bargaining, wage-related issues often take the most time to negotiate. To ensure wage discussions aren't delayed, committees are often established to handle non-monetary contract items, allowing the bargaining process to continue smoothly.

Additionally, once a contract is finalized, it's up to members like you to help ensure these hard-fought agreements are enforced!

Your participation, whether as an active member, workplace leader, or other role, is essential to ensuring that workers have access to the benefits, rights, and protections outlined in the collective agreement.

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