Why do so many care aides join our union?

Fairness and Respect

You are caring professionals that work hard to ensure the care of others but we’ve heard from many of you that sometimes the
respect you should be receiving from your employers is missing.

You are in this line of work because you care for others. You don’t expect to become millionaires but you do expect everyone should be treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

By joining this union you will become equals under the law with management. You will be entitled to sit at the table and have a say in compensation formulas, policies and procedures.

That’s why most health care professionals belong to a labour union.

Respect and fairness will be written right into the contract you help to negotiate, and it will be enforceable by law. When you have a negotiated contract, the playing field is leveled and management can’t play favorites.

Job Security

A strong contract is vital to protect your rights on the job today.

We’ve heard from many health care professionals that you want the UFCW 1518 to be your union because you believe that people who work hard and do their job well, shouldn’t have to worry about job security or unfair dismissals.

Right now, you are covered by the Employment Standards Act, which means management can let anyone go at any time without notice, even without a reason.

But with a union contract, your job is protected. No one can be let go without cause and you are protected from arbitrary discipline.

In a time of uncertainty, get some guarantees in writing.

The UFCW 1518 has proven experience in the health care sector that you can count on. Our Health Care sector members are respected health care professionals in home support and long term care centres across the province.

Workers who joined UFCW 1518 at Parkview Manor in Midway, B.C. have voted to accept terms for a first collective agreement as part of our labour union.

The Union Negotiating Committee was able to get Parkview Manor members across the board wage increases between $0.50 cents to $2.00 an hour, depending on their job classification in the new contract.

Other highlights from the collective agreement include paid coffee breaks, statutory holiday scheduling by seniority, and contracting out restrictions.

“Congratulations to the Parkview Manor members on establishing a first contract with improved wages,” said Ivan Limpright, President of UFCW Local 1518. “The Union Negotiating Committee did an impressive job in a difficult set of negotiations on behalf of the members.”

Parkview Manor is an independent living facility with 22 residents. It is a non-profit organization and residents who live there have their rents subsidized by BC Housing.

The Union Negotiating Committee had unanimously recommended acceptance of the agreement. The Union Negotiating Committee is Susan Steele and Union Representative Donna Tremblay.

The contract is in effect for a one-year term and expires on November 15, 2010.