BCNU Staff Dispute Update | BC Nurses' Union

September 23, 2016

BCNU administrative staff represented by COPE/MoveUp, continue to remain on strike although we have reached a collective agreement with our professional staff in Unifor.

Understandably, COPE/MoveUp members are stepping up their job action, reaching out to BCNU Council and members. Many have posted personal stories on Facebook and the COPE/MoveUp website explaining why they require paid time off. Unlike MoveUP and their supporters (CUPE) who are leafleting publicly and revealing personal contact information, we take very seriously our obligations under the Personal Information and Privacy Act so we will not respond individually to these stories. However, remember "there is fact and there is Facebook". We have the facts, and the full stories. If you have questions about any of them, speak to your Regional Chair.

We can give you an example though. In 2015, one staff member who had posted their story accessed paid family responsibility time 42 times and paid medical appointment time 24 times. With sick leave and vacation added, they were off work for 3 months on paid time. In addition, they had significant vacation time remaining in their bank which they chose not to access.

Another example of "facts versus Facebook" is their stand on a no concessions agreement. Despite our requests at the bargaining table to discuss solutions to the amount of time people are off work on paid leave, COPE/MoveUp continues to demand wage increases, paid retiree benefits, benefit enhancements and significant language changes. Of course BCNU wants the best for our employees. We also want the best for our members. That means when we see an expensive problem, we work with the staff union to try and fix it.

To date, COPE/MoveUp refuses to take a proactive, collaborative and responsible approach to the issues we have raised at the bargaining table.

Again, we have concluded a five (5) year agreement with Unifor, which means that pressing issues related to WorkSafe, LTD, LEAP, DTA, PRF and labour relations are being addressed. We continue with many core services, standing up for public health care and holding the health authorities and government accountable for the implementation of the last NBA contract. The work of BCNU is continuing.