Collective bargaining in the social services sector

In May 2003, the Community Services Labour Relations Act, (the “Act”) was passed and created three multi-employer bargaining units consistent with the membership divisions outlined in CSSEA's Constitution & Bylaws. The three bargaining units cover:

• agencies contracting to provide aboriginal services,
• agencies contracting to provide community living services, and
• agencies contracting to provide general services.

The Act also established an association of unions which required that all unions certified to represent the employees of CSSEA members bargain as a single entity at each of the three tables.

Unions active in the social services sector

• BC Government and Service Employees' Union
• Canadian Union of Public Employees
• Hospital Employees' Union
• Health Sciences Association of BC

Seven other unions represent employees at a small number of agencies. These unions include:

• British Columbia Nurses' Union
• Canadian Autoworkers Union
• Construction and Specialized Workers' Union
• International Union of Operating Engineers
• Service, Health and Allied Workers' Union
• United Food and Commercial Workers' Union
• United Steelworkers of America

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