BCNU launches grievance over prescription drug coverage

BCNU has launched a grievance against the Health Employers Association over the application of the PharmaCare Tie-in for coverage of prescription drugs under the NBA provincial contract.

The grievance is in the form of an "Industry-Wide Application Dispute". If the parties can't settle the dispute themselves, the union plans to arbitrate the issue no later than September 2013.

The grievance sets out numerous ways the employer has failed to apply what was bargained during negotiations last year. Many individual members have reported difficulties obtaining coverage for needed medications the union had been assured would be covered.

The grievance also identifies numerous process issues involving lack of communication and coordination of drug coverage.

If you have experienced problems with your prescription drug coverage, please report it to pharmacare@bcnu.org, and complete the PharmaCare Tie-In Implementation Survey, available on the BCNU Member Portal.