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August 4, 1999
Possible transfer of Riverview Hospital into the Health Sector from the Public Service
The BCNU and other affected unions have been informed that there has been a motion put forward by the Riverview Hospital Board to transfer Riverview Hospital into the Health Sector.
Does the BCNU support this move? Yes. Here are some of the reasons why.
- Public policy and the employer have guaranteed us that consultation would take place prior to the transfer.
- Riverview is a tertiary care hospital and would move in with the other tertiary care hospitals.
- If Riverview moves into the Health Sector it would then fall under the Regional Health Authority which would assist in the implementation of the Provincial Mental Health Plan.
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What do BCNU members stand to gain from this transfer?
BCNU would expect nurses at Riverview Hospital to receive nothing less than what other Public Service Nurses received in previous transfers. Some of the gains for those members were:
- Better compensation (Provincial Collective Agreement [PCA] salary scales)
- Portability with other facilities (The ability to move to different facilities and retain current increment steps, and years of service for vacation accrual and benefits)
- Job Security and funding for training through the Health Labour Adjustment Agency (HLAA)
- Additional bargaining power by the increased clout of having 25,000 members of the Nurses' Bargaining Association at the bargaining table
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What about pensions which are better in the public service or my benefits, will BCNU members lose benefits?
BCNU would expect and fight to ensure that Public Service Nurses be given the option to keep their current pension plan as it is superior to the Municipal Employees Pension Plan. Former Public Service Nurses under the PCA had the right to vote on whether they kept public service benefit packages or the PCA benefit package. BCNU will demand the same right for Riverview nurses.
Will this transfer go ahead in October regardless of how nurses feel?
As with previous transfers of Public Service Nurses into the Health Sector BCNU is clear that no transfer will take place unless "Terms of Agreement" are agreed to.
How can BCNU members at Riverview Hospital have some input into this discussion?
Members who have concerns about the proposed transfer and the terms of agreement should contact your local Steward. If there are specific agenda items you want to make sure are addressed during the negotiations process it's a good idea to put your concerns in writing. Your written submissions should then be given to your stewards.
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