BC Government & Health Workers Reach Settlement

Monday, January 28, 2008 03:42 PM

The provincial government and unions representing 40-thousand B.C. health care workers have reached a settlement agreement, following months of negotiations to implement the Supreme Court of Canada ruling last June on Bill 29.

Government and union negotiators for the Community Bargaining Association, Facilities Bargaining Association, Health Sciences Professionals Bargaining Association, and the Nurses Bargaining Association worked through the weekend to reach agreements that settle more than three-thousand outstanding grievances following the implementation of Bill 29, which allowed for contracting out of health services.

The B.C. Government and Services Employees Union says highlights of the deal include financial compensation for workers who've lost their jobs to contracting out, re-training opportunities, enhanced severance and retirement provisions, as well as a commitment to consultation on out-sourcing.

Union President George Heyman says today's announcement concludes a six-year struggle for the health-care workers. "The Supreme Court decision and these negotiations ensure that the government can no longer overturn collective agreements without significant consequences."

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 03:42 PM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: REALIST on January 28 2008 5:34 PM

85 million dollars wasted all because Gordo thought he was above the law and what do we get in return? Nothing. That 85 million could have been spent on actual healthcare in this province. How many beds could this have produced? How many surgeries would this have paid for? I am happy for the workers who receive what they deserve but in the end Gordo made the lawyers richer and cost us. Wouldn't an intelligent person seek legal advice before writing Bill 29? Before this is over and the Basi Virk trial is concluded etc., Gordon Campbell really will be known as Canada's Weapon of Mass Destruction. Especially now that the economy has turned and all the needed social services have been cut. We are in deep trouble now folks.

Posted by: Harbinger on January 28 2008 5:50 PM

If it is any condolence, that money just goes right back into the economy. And it is probably taxed along the way a few times. Feel better?

Posted by: YamaDooPolCat on January 28 2008 6:55 PM

George Heyman is running a sinking ship. He forgets the government is doing what we the people want. The only thing bigger than the unions, in this country anyway, is the people. Give up George, the people are sick of unions, literally.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on January 28 2008 6:58 PM

Your right about the 85 million Realist but unfortunately,Campbell will get away with it...again.
And your also right,the economy has turned and will continue to do so,but you will notice that Gordo and his gang are still spending!
If you want to scare the hell out of yourself,just start adding up the money this liberal government has pumped into losing propositions like convention centers,Olympics,pavillions,etc.on and on.
When the bank breaks,and it will, it is going to break bigtime!
We will get to pay for that.
Campbell will make Glen Clark look like a saint!
Actually.we ARE in big trouble here in B.C. but, there are many who refuse to believe it!

Posted by: Chester on January 28 2008 7:39 PM

BC is one of the most prosperous provinces in Canada. Or should be. If we would just get out of our own way, life could be so much better. We have all of the tools, we have all of the resources, we have a population that knows how to survive, inspite of it's circumstances and we have a world market that wants what we have.

The challenge is for all of us to work together and make it happen. Not be continually fighting with each other and running each other down. We are all necessary. Government, Labour, First Nations and all of the resources we have been blessed with. I suggest the creation of the official Reconciliation Party, rather than what we currently have. Chester

Posted by: Harbinger on January 28 2008 7:55 PM

If you put all the above people in a room they couldn't even agree what to have for lunch. Good luck. Everyone and I mean everyone has their own agenda! Doncha know?

Posted by: socredible on January 28 2008 9:04 PM

"....and we have a world market that wants what we have."

Really?

Posted by: Death to Socialism on January 29 2008 12:40 PM

The NDP wanted the Olympics just as badly as anyone else so why don't we give that one a rest.......