Contract talks between the Good Samaritan Society and Hospital Employees Union (HEU) are headed to mediation following a strike vote.
HEU members at six Good Samaritans facilities, including Christenson Village in Gibsons, have been without a contract since March 31.
Neil Monckton, HEU communications officer, told Coast Reporter this week that the union received an “overwhelming” strike mandate from the roughly 160 members working at Christenson, as well as their counterparts at residential care homes in Vernon, Penticton, New Westminster and two in Salmon Arm. All six facilities are under the same collective agreement.
Talks have been underway since mid-April, and Good Samaritan Society director of communications and media relations Julie Williams said, “We tabled a proposal to HEU on Oct. 25, with the intent to settle a new collective agreement. While we haven’t been able to reach an agreement yet, we remain committed to bargaining in good faith to seek an agreement that is responsible and sustainable.”
According to Monckton, the union is hoping to see improvements in compensation, benefits and working conditions. He said one of the sticking points is a lack of backfill for employees who are off work for vacations, sick days, and other reasons.
“There’s pressure on the workers to fill in, work longer, work overtime, do more, not take breaks. The care can also be rushed, so you’re not getting the work done that needs to be done.”
The HEU members work as care aides and in other support roles at the Good Samaritan facilities.
The Nov. 18 strike vote puts the HEU in position to walk out or take other job action with 72 hours notice.
