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Ten unions representing 43,000 B.C. hospital and long-term care workers began job action on Sunday with a ban on overtime, escalating to a full strike on Monday. The 10 unions represent X-ray and ECG technicians, biomedical engineers, trades, housekeepers, dietary staff, lab assistants, orderlies, licensed practical nurses, unit coordinators, clerical staff like medical transcriptionists and booking clerks, and group home workers.
The escalating job action comes as health employers continue to privatize health functions after unions refused deep concession demands. Health employers and the B.C. Liberal government continue in their refusal to put layoffs on hold during province-wide talks and move off their massive wage concession demands worth $900 million over three years.
For full background on the dispute (something you’re unlikely to see made available anywhere else, outside of VanRamblings or rabble.ca), watch this web video address from HEU Secretary-Business Manager Chris Allnutt from last Thursday’s press conference giving 72-hour strike notice.
