Dear Members,

Below is the latest bargaining update from the Community Bargaining Association (CBA), the group of unions — including UFCW 1518 — negotiating your collective agreement together.

The CBA Bargaining Committee met again with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) from February 2-6. During this week, we came close to completing the non-monetary portion of negotiations. There are a few outstanding items to address, including improvements to the occupational health and safety language, clarification on scheduling, and improvements to the overtime language.

We continue to make sufficient progress, and we have one additional week of negotiations scheduled for February 17–20. Our plan for that week is to conclude the non-monetary items and begin bargaining the monetary issues.

Your continued support is what keeps us moving forward at the table. Stay engaged, stay connected, and watch for an update after the next week of negotiations.

In solidarity,

Your Community Bargaining Association (CBA) Negotiating Committee
In solidarity,

UFCW 1518

on behalf of our CBA Bargaining Committee
Connie Samuels (Cowichan Home Support)
Linda Wilson (Port Alberni Home Support)
Eleanor Smith (Penticton Home Support)

Dear Members,

Below is the latest bargaining update from the Community Bargaining Association (CBA), the group of unions — including UFCW 1518 — negotiating your collective agreement together.

Bargaining update: Progress at the table, revised monetary offer.

The CBA Bargaining Committee, including your UFCW 1518 delegates, met with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) from January 19-23, 2026, in hopes of reaching a tentative agreement. This meeting followed our overwhelming strike vote in December.

We’re pleased to report meaningful progress at the table on non-monetary items, and HEABC has revised their monetary offer. While we believe the monetary offer will allow us to address some of the most prominent inequities between ourselves and the FBA, we need time to carefully review the full package before we can provide an accurate outline of the proposed compensation.

There are still many outstanding proposals. However, we feel sufficient progress has been made to continue bargaining, and we have two additional weeks of negotiations scheduled for February 2-6 and February 17-20.

Know that the strength of our strike vote – and the unyielding support of members – is what brought us to this point. Your acts of solidarity are making a difference!

In solidarity,

Your Community Bargaining Association (CBA) Negotiating Committee
In solidarity,

UFCW 1518

on behalf of our CBA Bargaining Committee
Connie Samuels (Cowichan Home Support)
Linda Wilson (Port Alberni Home Support)
Eleanor Smith (Penticton Home Support)

Dear Members,

Below is the latest bargaining update from the Community Bargaining Association (CBA), the group of unions — including UFCW 1518 — negotiating your collective agreement together.

New bargaining dates are set, and we’re heading back to the table with momentum, unity, and a strong strike mandate behind us.

We are scheduled to meet with the employer next on January 19-23, 2026, with additional dates booked for February 2-6 and February 17-20.

With a powerful strike vote in hand, your bargaining committee is returning to negotiations focused on securing meaningful movement in this first week back at the table. No matter what community-based service you work in, our shared goal remains clear: reaching a fair agreement that delivers the stability, respect and fairness CBA workers deserve.

We will continue to push for improvements in four key areas:
Fair funding for our benefits. Just like the FBA (the agreement that covers workers at hospitals and other large health facilities), our benefit trust deserves full funding retroactive to 2021.
Fair access to overtime. We want to see the expansion of overtime by seniority to ensure overtime opportunities are allocated fairly, curtailing assignments offered by convenience or through personal relationships.
Protection against ‘gig work’ scheduling. CHWs deserve the same security of fixed shifts and breaks that other health care workers have had for decades. We need protections to ensure employers cannot return to the precarious scheduling practices CHWs endured for 30 years.
Equal pay for equal work. Wages, shift premiums, vacation, and other monetary entitlements must be brought up to the same level as other HEABC health care workers doing the same work, ensuring fairness and equity across the sector. Now that thousands more supportive housing workers have joined the CBA, this bargaining position will also support our union’s goal of bringing greater stability to B.C.’s housing services and shelters, where workers have been under-compensated for far too long.

Please watch for our next update following the January 19-23 bargaining dates.

In solidarity,

Your Community Bargaining Association (CBA) Negotiating Committee
In solidarity,

UFCW 1518

on behalf of our CBA Bargaining Committee
Connie Samuels (Cowichan Home Support)
Linda Wilson (Port Alberni Home Support)
Eleanor Smith (Penticton Home Support)

Dear Members,
I want to once again acknowledge the exceptional participation in our recent strike authorization vote. Community Health Workers across BC, including thousands of UFCW 1518 members, turned out in record numbers – with 92% of members who cast a ballot in the CBA strike vote said YES to authorize strike action, if necessary – the strongest showing the Community Bargaining Association has ever seen. This historic engagement sends a clear message to the employer and government that we are united, engaged, and serious about achieving meaningful improvements to our collective agreement.

With this strong strike authorization vote behind us, we are continuing to push forward in bargaining. We have secured additional bargaining dates during the week of January 19–23rd, with more dates scheduled in February. We are entering into these sessions with the goal of reaching a fair agreement, while making it clear that we are prepared to do what it takes to secure a deal that reflects the value of your work.

We also want to share an important update for impacted members regarding the Provincial Incentive Program (PIP):

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that it will be extending the Provincial Incentive Program (PIP) to March 31, 2026. This includes the extension of the Provincial Rural Retention Incentive (PRRI) to March 31, 2026. This extension provides important stability for members in designated geographic health care areas while bargaining continues.

For a full list of the communities covered by PRRI, click here (please note that Trail and Oliver are not included in this initial list, but have since been added). By providing this incentive, the program aims to encourage new and current health professionals to move to rural communities.
As we head into the holiday season, we want to thank you for your solidarity, strength, and commitment to one another. We hope you are able to take some well-deserved time to rest and recharge. We look forward to continuing this important work together in the new year.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season.

In solidarity,

Patrick Johnson
President, UFCW 1518

on behalf of our CBA Bargaining Committee
Connie Samuels (Cowichan Home Support)
Linda Wilson (Port Alberni Home Support)
Eleanor Smith (Penticton Home Support)

Dear Members,

I want to start by acknowledging the incredible participation in this strike authorization vote. Community Health Workers across BC, including thousands of UFCW 1518 members, turned out in record numbers — the strongest showing the CBA has ever seen.

This sends a clear message to the employer and government that CHWs are united and ready for meaningful improvements, and it gives us real strength as we push forward in bargaining.

You’ll find the official results and next steps below. These come from the Community Bargaining Association (CBA), the group of unions, including UFCW 1518, that negotiates this collective agreement together.

Here is the CBA update:

Dear CBA Members,

The results are in:

92% of members who cast a ballot in the CBA strike vote said YES to authorize strike action, if necessary, to achieve meaningful improvements to our collective agreement.
This is more than a vote – it’s a powerful statement. Your strong mandate sends a clear message to our employer: we are united, serious, and ready to secure the respect and fairness we deserve.

In the coming weeks, we will schedule new bargaining dates and bring this strike mandate to the table to demand a fair agreement on par with other HEABC health care workers.

This strike vote also marks a milestone: the largest turnout the CBA bargaining unit has ever seen and the strongest voice we’ve had in bargaining in 30 years.

Thank you to everyone who voted and stood together. With this historic strike mandate, our collective voice has never been stronger, and we are committed to securing a fair agreement for all community health workers.

This strong mandate also reflects your courage and your commitment to improving conditions for all CHWs. We’ll keep you updated as new bargaining dates are set and as progress continues.

In solidarity,

Patrick Johnson
President, UFCW 1518

on behalf of our CBA Bargaining Committee

Connie Samuels (Cowichan Home Support)
Linda Wilson (Port Alberni Home Support)
Eleanor Smith (Penticton Home Support)

Dear Members,

The CBA Strike Authorization Vote is now closed.

I want to thank everyone who participated, attended an info session, and supported each other throughout this process. Your engagement strengthens our collective voice in bargaining.

Because community health bargaining takes place through the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) — the group of unions that negotiate this agreement together — each union runs its own strike authorization vote. Once all unions have completed their voting processes, the results are brought together to determine the final CBA-wide outcome.

We expect to share the confirmed results with all CBA members on November 27.

What Happens Next

If the overall result is “Yes,” this does not automatically mean there will be a strike. A strike authorization vote gives your bargaining committee the ability to apply pressure if needed.

After the results are released, I will update you on what this means for our bargaining position and outline the next steps in the process. We will continue pushing for a fair deal and keeping you informed every step of the way.

Our Campaign: Make Home Possible

While bargaining continues, we are also lifting up the essential work Community Health Workers do every day through our new Make Home Possible campaign.

This campaign highlights how CHWs make it possible for seniors and vulnerable people to remain safely in their homes — work that is often unseen but absolutely vital in communities across BC. We’ve already received powerful stories from families and community members, and we’ll be sharing more in the coming weeks.

If you’d like to learn more or share the campaign with your networks, you can visit: makehomepossible.ca

Thank you again for your solidarity, your dedication to your clients, and the vital care you provide across the province. I will keep you informed as soon as the CBA-wide results are confirmed and next steps are known.

In solidarity,

Patrick Johnson
President, UFCW 1518

Dear Members,

Ahead of the upcoming CBA Strike Authorization Vote (November 19–21), your bargaining committee is hosting a series of info sessions to ensure members have all the facts before casting your vote.

These sessions are your opportunity to:

Hear the latest updates from the bargaining table

Ask questions directly to your committee

Understand why this vote matters — even though it doesn’t necessarily mean we will go on strike

We strongly encourage all members to attend a session.

Please note: there will be no book offs for these info sessions.

🖥️ Zoom Info Sessions

Please register by clicking the links below to receive the zoom login information

• Wednesday, Nov 12 at 6 pm PST – Register ➜

• Thursday, Nov 13 at 4:30 pm PST – Register ➜

🏢 In-Person Sessions – Lower Mainland

Please register by clicking the links below.

Location: Executive Plaza & Suites Hotels Metro Vancouver 405 North Road, Coquitlam.

• Monday, Nov 17 at 2–4 pm PST – Register ➜

• Monday, Nov 17 at 5:30–7 pm PST – Register ➜

Complimentary Parking: Please register your license plate at the UFCW 1518 registration desk located outside the meeting room

📞 Telephone Townhall

• Wednesday, Nov 19 at 5:30 PM – We’ll call you!

If someone is not getting our emails — or is receiving them at a work address — ask them to update their personal email by contacting reception@ufcw1518.com or completing this quick form: https://tinyurl.com/4shskjbe

In solidarity,

Patrick Johnson
President, UFCW 1518

on behalf of our CBA Bargaining Committee
Connie Samuels (Cowichan Home Support)
Linda Wilson (Port Alberni Home Support)
Eleanor Smith (Penticton Home Support)

Dear Members,

At our recent Healthcare Bargaining Telephone Town Hall, I spoke about what’s at stake for community health workers in this round of negotiations: fairness, respect, and the recognition you deserve for the vital work you do every day.

After months of bargaining, the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) and the provincial government have failed to bring meaningful proposals to the table. They have left us no choice but to take the next step together.

Your CBA bargaining committee has decided to call a Strike Authorization Vote, taking place Wednesday, November 19 AT 9 AM PST to Friday, November 21 at 12 PM PST.

Strike Vote Details

• Voting period: November 19 at 9am PST to November 21 at 12pm PST
• Method: The vote will take place online. Each eligible member will receive a personalized voting link and secure credentials by email when the vote opens.
• Information sessions: Join one of our upcoming sessions to learn more about the process and ask questions before voting. There will be two online sessions for all members and two in-person sessions for those in the Lower Mainland. 

This vote isn’t just about saying “yes” or “no” to a strike — it’s about showing the employer and government that community health workers are united, organized, and ready to fight for fairness.

What a Strike Authorization Vote Means

A strike authorization vote does not necessarily mean we are going on strike. Instead, it gives your committee the power needed to return to the bargaining table and push for the improvements you deserve.

By voting YES, you’re helping:

• Put real pressure on the employer to move,
• Strengthen our collective position, and
• Ensure that if negotiations completely break down, we have the legal ability to take further action if necessary.
• Our goal is simple: to reach a fair agreement without having to strike. But to do that, we need to show that we’re ready to stand together.

A strong strike mandate will send a clear message: we will not settle for less than respect, equity, and a fair deal for all community health workers.

Information Sessions: Learn More Before You Vote

Your bargaining committee will be hosting three sessions where you can learn more about the upcoming vote, ask questions, and hear the latest updates from the bargaining table:

• Zoom Info Session #1: November 12 at 6pm – Register ➜
• Zoom Info Session #2: November 13 at 4:30pm – Register ➜
• Lower Mainland In-Person Info Session: November 17 at 2-4pm – Register ➜
• Lower Mainland In-Person Info Session: November 17 at 5:30-7pm – Register ➜
• Healthcare Telephone Townhall: Wednesday, November 19, 5:30 pm – We will call you!
• We strongly encourage all members to attend one of these sessions so you can make an informed decision.

This is a critical moment for community health workers. Please talk to your co-workers and make sure they’re aware of this announcement and receiving union updates.

If someone is not getting our emails — or is receiving them at a work address — ask them to update their personal email by contacting reception@ufcw1518.com or completing this quick form: https://tinyurl.com/4shskjbe
In solidarity,

Patrick Johnson
President, UFCW 1518

on behalf of our CBA Bargaining Committee
Connie Samuels (Cowichan Home Support)
Linda Wilson (Port Alberni Home Support)
Eleanor Smith (Penticton Home Support)

Bargaining Update from Your UFCW 1518 CBA Delegates

At 3:30 p.m. PST this afternoon your CBA Bargaining Committee declared that negotiations had reached an impasse with Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) and the provincial government.

After almost 20 days at the bargaining table, we have been unable to address the most acute bargaining priorities identified by members.

Specifically:

• The retroactive removal of the Investment Return Guarantee Adjustment (IRGA) that has transferred millions of dollars from your benefit trust back to HEABC employers that would otherwise be used to solidify and expand your health benefits and avoid falling further behind other healthcare workers, most of which work for the same employers.
• The expansion of overtime by seniority to curtail the offering of overtime by convenience and relationships.
• Giving Community Health Workers (CHWs) the security of fixed shifts and breaks that other health care workers have had for decades and ensuring employers can’t revert to the ‘gig work’ scheduling that CHWs endured for 30 years.
• Fixing the wages, shift premiums, vacation, and other monetary entitlements to the same rates of other HEABC healthcare workers doing the same work.

We have not taken this decision lightly, and in the absence of an offer that meets these demands, we are likely to conduct a strike vote. Over the coming weeks your UFCW 1518 representatives in the CBA bargaining committee will be working on a member engagement plan as well as determining the best method and timing to conduct a strike vote.

As we move forward it is important that UFCW 1518 has your up-to-date personal contact information to ensure you are kept informed and prepared. Please click here to update your personal email address and phone number➜

You can also share this link with other members who may not be receiving our emails.

In solidarity,
UFCW 1518 Healthcare Union Team

Bargaining Update from Your UFCW 1518 CBA Delegates

After a pause in negotiations, your CBA Bargaining Committee reconvened with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) on September 24, 25, and 26, 2025.

Since March, your committee—working alongside representatives from six other constituent unions, including UFCW 1518—has dedicated 19 days at the bargaining table. Despite the exchange of full non-monetary proposals, progress has remained slow, with the employer agreeing only to minor administrative updates so far.

We remain committed to negotiating a fair and respectful agreement that addresses the priorities and concerns of all members. Further updates will be provided as negotiations continue.

Out of frustration with a lack of meaningful progress, we cancelled our July bargaining dates and asked you for feedback on next steps by hosting several healthcare socials earlier this summer.

Your responses indicated clear priorities:

• Improved overtime language
• Greater mobility between employers
• Contract language equal to workers covered under the Facilities agreement

Ahead of last week’s meetings, your UFCW 1518 bargaining team and our union partners made it clear: we demanded meaningful progress on key priorities by Friday, September 26. These priorities included addressing the long-standing underfunding of the Enhanced Disability Management Program (EDMP) and reaching a fair, final resolution on the funding of your benefit plan, bringing it in line with that of other healthcare workers across the sector.

Although we have a long way to go, it is sufficient progress to continue talks with HEABC. There are two more days scheduled for talks on October 2 and 3, 2025, with further talks planned for the weeks of October 13 and 20. We will provide further updates as negotiations progress.

We’re asking all members to make sure your contact information is current so you don’t miss any important updates.

If you’ve changed your email or phone number or if you know another member who isn’t receiving our messages—please take a moment to fill out this quick form.

In solidarity,
UFCW 1518 Healthcare Union Team

Bargaining Update from Your UFCW 1518 CBA Delegates

Your UFCW delegates to the CBA bargaining committee — along with delegates of the six other constituent unions — have spent 16 days at the bargaining table with HEABC. Although we have had a full exchange of non-monetary proposals, we have made very little progress outside of administrative updates to the agreement.

Our goal is to make progress on the priorities you identified. This includes improved overtime language, greater mobility between employers, and having language equal to workers covered under the FBA.

Your committee is greatly frustrated with the lack of progress and does not believe any meaningful momentum will be achieved during our remaining dates in July. Therefore, we have cancelled the remaining five days in July and informed HEABC that we will have to reconvene in September and October.

During this time, your committee — including your elected Executive Board members — will be reaching out to members to update you on bargaining and get feedback on our next steps.

While we’re not yet discussing specific monetary proposals, the idea of a general wage increase has been raised at the Public Service bargaining table — and it has been echoed at ours as well. Note that we have not accepted this offer, nor have we discussed it. However, we want to ensure you’re aware of the offer that was made and to assure you that we know it falls short of addressing the priorities members like you have consistently raised.

On June 25, 2025, HEABC tabled monetary proposals, including on wages and low compensation redress. This included a proposed two-year agreement with the following General Wage Increase (GWI):

Year 1: The employer proposed two options for year one of the GWI:

Option A

• April 1, 2025: increase rates of pay by 0.5% plus $0.15 per hour
• October 1, 2025: increase rates of pay by 0.5% plus $0.15 per hour

Option B

• April 1, 2025: increase rates of pay by 0.75%
• October 1, 2025: increase rates of pay by 0.75%

Year 2:

• April 1, 2026: increase rates of pay by 1.0%
• October 1, 2026: increase rates of pay by 1.0%

It’s important to emphasize that this is the opening proposal, and significant work remains. We have reiterated to the employer that any path to a tentative agreement must include a monetary offer that meaningfully addresses the affordability crisis facing public sector workers.

Know that your resolve and support are the key ingredients in achieving a positive result at the bargaining table, especially as it relates to non-monetary language and your rights under the collective agreement.

In solidarity,
UFCW 1518 Healthcare Union Team

Bargaining Update from Your UFCW 1518 CBA Delegates

Your UFCW 1518 delegates to the Community Bargaining Association (CBA), alongside representatives from the six other unions in the CBA, met with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) on June 3–4 and June 9–10, 2025, to continue negotiations aimed at renewing our collective agreement.

We’ve made some headway on non-monetary and administrative issues, and while that’s a positive step, there’s still a long road ahead. So far, neither the unions nor HEABC have tabled monetary proposals.

To ensure your voices are heard and your priorities are addressed, we’ve scheduled an additional 11 days of bargaining, set to take place from late June through July. These extended sessions are a critical opportunity to move closer to a fair and respectful tentative agreement.

We are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process. Stay tuned for further updates as negotiations progress.

In solidarity,

UFCW 1518 Healthcare Union Team

Earlier this month, we wrapped up another week of bargaining meetings with the Health Employers Association of British Columbia. If you missed our previous bargaining update, you can read it here.

In this round of bargaining, the Bargaining Association presented Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) proposals to the employer. To facilitate more focused and efficient discussions, both parties agreed to form a smaller working group, comprising four representatives from the union and four from the employer, to discuss OH&S items.

Our next scheduled bargaining meetings are between May 20 and June 17, and we’re optimistic that we’ll continue to make progress. Another update will be provided after these dates.

In solidarity,

Leonard Cody
Bargaining Committee Liaison

On Friday, we wrapped up two weeks of bargaining meetings with the Health Employers Association of British Columbia. If you missed our previous bargaining updates from November and February, you can read them here and here to get caught up.

At this last round of meetings, the Bargaining Association and the employer exchanged non-monetary proposals for review, marking an important milestone as both parties assess each other’s positions. All our discussions continue to be guided by the priorities members identified in last year’s surveys and the Bargaining Conference.

Our next scheduled bargaining meetings will take place from March 31st to April 4th. We expect the current political and economic uncertainty will shape these discussions and the employer’s approach to monetary proposals. Despite this, we are committed to making progress and we are adjusting our negotiating plan accordingly.

As we move through this bargaining process, it’s helpful to highlight two things:

• Confidentiality: everyone involved in the bargaining process is bound by confidentiality agreements that limit the specific details we can share about ongoing negotiations. This confidentiality is important to maintain the integrity of the process and ensure productive discussions with the employer. Despite these limitations, your bargaining committee is working diligently to represent your interests at the table.
• Complexity: Coordinating across all seven healthcare member unions in our association is a complex exercise. While the process may feel lengthy at times, behind the scenes there is significant work happening to leverage our collective power and negotiate a strong agreement with HEABC.

Rest assured, your Bargaining Committee representatives—Linda Wilson, Eleanor Smith, and Connie Samuell—will continue to advocate for the best possible outcomes for our members. We will provide further updates as negotiations progress.

In solidarity,

Leonard Cody
Bargaining Committee Liaison

We are pleased to share an update with you on how our bargaining preparations are coming along. If you missed our last bargaining update, you can read it here to get caught up.

On January 21st and 22nd, the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) held a number of meetings on Zoom with representatives from the seven healthcare member unions — including UFCW 1518. Together, we began merging our bargaining proposals to collectively advocate for the interests of all our healthcare members across BC.

We’ll meet again next week on February 7th to finalize our proposal packages before exchanging them with HEABC. Bargaining will then begin on March 3rd for two consecutive weeks.

We’ll be sure to keep you up to date throughout bargaining. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact me at lcody@ufcw1518.com.

In solidarity,

Leonard Cody

Bargaining Committee Liaison

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