|
LPNs' desire to join BCNU is driving LPN salaries higher through benefit changes
BCGEU and other unions in the Community Bargaining Association
reached a tentative two-year agreement on December 23, 2009
that saw benefit changes for all members in exchange for 3%
annual raises for approximately 225 LPNs, 14 LPN supervisors
and some certified dental assistants. All employees will receive
a 25 cent per hour weekend premium, improved vision care benefits
and a Blue Net card.
The tentative agreement contains changes to numerous benefits.
Long term disability benefits will be restricted, annual health
benefit deductibles will increase to $100.00 per employee and
massage therapy treatments will be capped. These changes pay
for the above increases.
BCGEU President Darryl Walker noted there
was no market adjustment in wages for any employee. The bargaining
team ‘reshuffled' money
from within the current agreement.
As thousands of LPNs have signed BCNU membership
cards, BCGEU and the CBA made it a priority to get LPNs a
3% annual raise. They could not get ‘new money' from the government
so all members will pay for the raise through benefit changes.
Changing benefits to buy raises now sets a pattern for the
HEU-led Facilities Bargaining Association. These are difficult
decisions for unions but now they are at least paying attention
to nurses' issues.
HEU has asked the government for LPN increases of 4% per year
in a new two-year facilities agreement. HEU is asking for smaller
amounts for other HEU classifications. As there are currently
over 5,500 LPNs in HEU, large benefit changes for all classifications
will be necessary to pay for a 4% annual LPN raise.
HEU's new focus on LPN bargaining is because thousands
of HEU-represented LPNs have signed BCNU membership cards.
LPNs want to leave HEU to join BCNU's Nurses Bargaining
Association. In 2009, NBA members received 6% market adjustments
over two years without taking rollbacks in other areas to pay
for the increase.
BCNU anticipates that HEU will attempt
to negotiate an LPN agreement before the BC Labour Board
orders an LPN representational vote. The board continues
to work on BCNU's application
to represent LPNs.
|
BCGEU/CBA tentative agreement
|
HEU/FBA 2010 contract proposals
|
- 3% annual increases for 225 LPNs,
14 LPN supervisors & certified
dental assistants
|
- 4% annual increases for over 5,500 LPNs, lesser amounts
for other classifications
|
Printable
PDF file of this bulletin.
|
