August 12, 2008

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After only three days of talks, the BCNU bargaining team renewed its collective agreement with the Tsartlip First Nation of Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island. The tentative agreement will be in effect from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2010 subject to ratification by members on Tuesday, August 19. The cooperative approach taken by the employer led to a good agreement for BCNU members. It focuses on enhancing the health services provided to the Tsartlip First Nation community.

"Bargaining went really well," said Mary Hayes, a Brighter Futures Coordinator with the Tsartlip First Nation. "Employees are feeling hopeful that a stronger relationship is being built with the employer and it will lead to better communication and improved health services in the future".

The bargaining team was successful in negotiating the following gains for BCNU members:

• Brighter Futures Coordinators (and assistants), alcohol and drug counselors, community health representatives and receptionists will receive a 1.5 percent increase retroactive to January 1, 2008. This reflects the 1.5 percent funding increase the community received from Health Canada in the 2008 fiscal year.
• The 2009 increase will be a minimum 2 percent effective March 31, 2009. Based on additional funding the Tsartlip Nation may receive from Health Canada, the 2009 increase may be adjusted higher.
• Paid Family Responsibility Leave will increase.
• Mileage allowance will increase to $.50/km when members use their own vehicles on Band business.
• Coverage for 3rd party liability insurance is increased to five million dollars.

A new health manager and an experienced administrator led negotiations for the employer. Their solution-oriented approach was a welcome presence at the bargaining table and gives BCNU confidence that our relationship will continue to improve in the future. That productive relationship will positively impact the delivery of health services for the Tsartlip First Nation community.