BURNABY – The BCGEU announced today that the contract negotiated on behalf of community health workers has been ratified by a vote of 76 per cent.

All four CUPE Community Health sector locals (CUPE 4816, 3495, 15, and 3403-01) soundly rejected the tentative agreement reached with the Health Employer’s Association (HEABC) and the BCGEU in early January.

The tentative agreement offers no general wage increases for two years and trades off hard-won existing benefits for new benefits. Members were not impressed with the deal and were concerned about losses such as the addition of a restriction on pre-existing conditions to the Long Term Disability plan.

“We don’t believe this contract is good for community health workers or services,” says CUPE 4816 bargaining committee member Jill Stromnes. “CUPE members will continue to stand up for community health services in B.C.’s communities.”

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