The unions bargaining on behalf of 15,000 community social services workers will be meeting November 4 with the employer to begin discussions on essential services.

'Essential services' is the labour relations term to describe which services must be maintained during a strike or lockout by both employees and employers. Typically, services that are vital to protecting the health and safety of vulnerable people are considered essential. For example: some basic residential services will still be provided for the developmentally disabled.  

Employment security will enhance stability and quality services for the people who need them in a time of tremendous change and government cuts. The Health Sciences Association and other unions representing more than 15,000 community social services workers have made employment security and continuity of services a centrepiece of the bargaining associations proposals at the bargaining table. 

The unions' proposals on employment security include:

The Health Sciences Association is adding the unions voice to concerns raised by a group of concerned advocates for community living services and supports.

A new poll conducted for The Roundtable of Provincial Social Service Organizations confirms British Columbians support for restoring funding to community social services.

According to the Angus Reid poll, 65 per cent of British Columbians surveyed agreed current funding levels are too low for community social services such as daycare; seniors care, employment services, supports to families and children, help for vulnerable populations, and adult residential care.

Bargaining for the community social services sector contract resumed this week, but quickly stalled.

Josef Rieder represents HSA at the bargaining table, with HSA bargaining team chair Lynn Kelsey. -In the absence of meaningful discussion that could lead to an agreement, the Community Social Services Bargaining Association has asked the employer for dates to begin discussion on essential service levels," he said.

The union bargaining committee for community social services workers met this week to prepare for bargaining resuming next week.

Josef Rieder represents HSA at the bargaining table, with HSA bargaining team chair Lynn Kelsey. -Were looking forward to working with employers to reach a fair settlement that improves the working life and conditions of our members," he said. -We hope the employers are willing to actively participate in collective bargaining after almost a year of talks."

This week, the Community Social Services Employers Association requested that the unions rescind all monetary proposals. The unions have not yet responded to this request. The employers are still insisting on the provincial governments ‘zero financial mandate. Both sides are scheduled to meet seven more days through the end of the month.

The union bargaining committee remains committed to achieving meaningful gains as mandated by our members. Josef Rieder represents HSA at the bargaining table, with HSA bargaining team chair Lynn Kelsey.

On Tuesday, the union bargaining committee for community social services workers met with the employers group to discuss proposals tabled in May.

The Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA) tabled a concessionary package offering no monetary gains.

Josef Rieder represents HSA at the bargaining table, with HSA bargaining team chair Lynn Kelsey. -CSSEA says the Liberal government is forcing them to stick to a ‘zero mandate, and is not able to offer any gains for our members," Rieder said.

The union bargaining committee for community social services workers met with the employers group this week in Richmond.

The union bargaining committee tabled a comprehensive package of proposals aimed at making gains and restoring rights after years of cuts and concessions. Among other demands, the committee is seeking better sick leave provisions and wage parity with the community health sector.

The Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA) tabled its own concessionary package offering no monetary gains.

The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) is urging the employer group, the Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA), to commence bargaining on Thursday, May 13, 2010 in Richmond.

The CSSBA expects the first meeting will entail establishing a protocol agreement and setting dates and locations for a full exchange of proposals for the Community Living Services and General Services collective agreements.