Mediator's report delayed until January 27

Mediator Brian Foley has advised the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association that his report recommending terms of settlement for a collective agreement will not be released this afternoon as planned. Mr. Foley will release his report in one week, on Wednesday, January 27.

In a letter to the unions and employers, Mr. Foley said that he requires more time to give due consideration to the positions put forward by both parties.

"We have agreed to Mr. Foley's request for an extension," says Cindy Stewart, President of the Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA). "Our members have waited more than ten months for a contract. If Mr. Foley requires an extra week to consider these very complex issues, we have no objection."

Stewart says once the report is received by the bargaining association, the unions will decide whether to recommend acceptance or rejection of the package. The package will then be sent to union members for a vote.

The Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association represents over 10,000 health care professionals across the province, including: lab technologists, x-ray technologists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, pre-school teachers, community mental health professionals, social workers, dietitians, health records administrators, alcohol and drug counsellors, speech and language pathologists and public health inspectors.

HSA is the lead union in the Paramedical Professional Bargaining Association. Also represented are the BC Government Employees Union, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Professional Employees Association, Hospital Employees Union, and United Food and Commercial Workers.

For more information contact:
Rebecca Maurer, Director of Communications
(604) 439-0994