Carewest Bargaining Update #3

Your Bargaining Committee met with Carewest on April 3 and 4, as well as on June 26 and 27, to continue negotiations based on both parties’ availability and discussed non-monetary bargaining proposals that were exchanged during the first round of meetings. Both parties also exchanged monetary proposals on June 27. 

We had productive discussions on a range of articles and Letters of Understanding. By the end of June 27, both parties were able to sign off on all non-monetary articles and Letters of Understanding, as well as one monetary article.

Discussions on the remaining monetary items are still ongoing. As monetary items are generally the most contentious and difficult part of the bargaining process, we anticipate resistance not only from Carewest, but also from the provincial government, which sets the mandate for publicly funded employers.

Although the employer’s limited availability continues to be a significant barrier to timely progress, Carewest has provided some availability. Our next meetings with Carewest are scheduled for September 11 and 12. 

Until this point, the mood has been cordial and positive while discussing non-monetary items as compared to previous rounds of bargaining. We are hopeful that the mood remains cordial and respectful as we move forward with monetary items. 

As bargaining continues, we're committed to providing you with appropriate information and updates through similar communications in the future. 

If you have any comments, questions or input, please forward them to LorriR@hsaa.ca and FahadS@hsaa.ca.

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Committee

Greg Keiser, Registered Psychologist

Lorraine Grover, Recreational Therapist

Judy Yip, Pharmacist

Lorri Renaud, Labour Relations Officer

Fahad Saleem, Labour Relations Officer