HSPBA Bargaining Update
Over 100 proposals tabled as fourth round of talks concludes Progress made on non-monetary issues while keeping a watchful eye on wage offers at other tables
The fourth round of negotiations between the employer and your bargaining association has concluded.
The Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) negotiations committee met in talks with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) June 16-20. The committee has tabled well over 100 proposals relating to key priorities such as:
- wages and premiums;
- work-life balance;
- safety, recognition and respect;
- classifications and professional fees.
At this early point in the negotiations, the HSPBA has more work to complete before we can table wage proposals. The committee would like to continue negotiations over the summer, however dates for further talks have not yet been set. I anticipate the next steps to include some intensive small group discussions in areas of key concern such as occupational health and psychological safety in the workplace and classifications.
Although other public sector unions, whose negotiations have been underway since much earlier in the year, have begun to receive initial wage offers, we have not yet begun to discuss wages at the HSPBA table.
Our priorities are clear: wage offers must reflect the rate of inflation in BC and address the recruitment and retention challenges threatening delivery of health care in BC.
Your committee is resolute in our determination to achieve wage increases that will reflect the gravity of the shortages and the vital importance of the work done by health science professionals.
In solidarity,
Idil Farah
Labour Relations Officer
