PEA Bargaining Update – Work continues through summer
Dear PEA members,
Your HSPBA Bargaining Committee is continuing work over the summer through in-depth small-group discussions on priority areas including classifications and occupational health and safety, as well as on Indigenous Specific Anti-Racism (ISAR).
At the close of the last round of discussions with the employer in late June, the committee had tabled over 100 proposals addressing the leading issues identified by HSPBA members. Further talks with the employer are expected to resume in the fall.
Specific wage increase proposals have not been tabled during the HSPBA discussions, and we do not expect to reach that stage of negotiations until the fall. The PEA joins other BC public sector unions in expressing concern that the initial wage increases offered at the BCGEU main table negotiations are far from sufficient. The professional shortages affecting health care and other critical public services require wage increases that deal with the ongoing affordability crisis in BC. That’s what PEA members have instructed the committee to achieve, and that’s what your committee is dedicated to doing.
BCGEU to hold strike vote
You may be aware that the BC General Employees Union (BCGEU) main table, which began their bargaining process almost seven months ago, has just announced they have reached an impasse in their negotiations. The BCGEU says that they and the employer are too far apart on key issues, especially wages. They expect to hold a strike vote for all affected BCGEU members by mid/late August.
The HSPBA Bargaining Committee is watching these developments closely, but we note that most PEA members are not directly affected by the BCGEU strike vote or any job action that may result. The PEA respects all picket lines, and we will work to let you know in advance about any BCGEU job action that could affect you worksite. Remember, if you encounter a picket line, do not cross, and alert your steward.
In solidarity,
Idil Farah
Labour Relations Officer
