April 01 2003
The latest round was held on Mar. 7 when we represented 5 Mental Health Services for Community Living nurses who had been classed as CH1. We are asking that classification should be based on the actual work being done, which we contend more closely resembles CH2B.
We are awaiting Arbitrator Vince Ready's decision, which should be handed down within the next 4-5 weeks. There are 10 other cases that remain after this. With a favourable result, we hope that this will lead to success on the other matters.
The UPN is currently preparing an application before the Labour Relations Board in which we are claiming a successorship for the work being transferred to Kamloops from Riverview hospital. We have been talking with representatives of the Public Service reminding them that they had previously agreed that any work moved from Riverview would still remain unionized by the UPN. However, recent events have given us cause for concern and we are taking steps to ensure that your rights are protected under the current reorganization initiatives.
Professional Practice
In conjunction with the CRPNBC and Douglas College the UPN will be supporting members who wish to take a 50-hour self-study Professional Development program called Profession Practice in Mental Health through the distance-learning program at Douglas College. We have committed $2500 to this initiative and we hope to be able to sponsor about 20 members in this initial offering. The course would cost about $250.00 per student and we would cover half of their cost. Information about how to apply for this course will be out in the near future.
A short information document describing displacement rights for members working in the Health Sector will be sent out to UPN members in the near future. Many have only recently been shifted to this sector from the Public Service and they are not particularly familiar with the different contract. As well, Bill 29 has made significant changes that are not reflected in the collective agreement. Some of these nurses are now facing displacement and have no idea about what rights they have under this contract. Without that knowledge, many just accept the word of the Employers who often are not acting in compliance with the agreement. To help members know their rights in these difficult situations we are trying to proactively advise them so they can be prepared when the time comes and so they will seek help from the Union should the need arise.
The Consumer Price Index figures published recently confirms that the increase in the cost of living for the one-year period ended February 28, 2003 is 3.2%. Therefore, nurses under the Health Sector agreement will receive the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) wage increase effective for April 1st, 2003 of 3.2%.
HEABC is now developing wage rates based on this 3.2 per cent increase. They will be sending the rates out to the employers within the next few weeks. There may be some delay in having this wage increase reflected on pay cheques however, as the increase is effective on April 1, 2003, all payments will be made retroactive to that date.
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