Supportive Housing Transfer to Health Sector
CSSEA recently announced that government informed 39 members where supportive housing is the dominant service that they will be transferred to the health sector and become members of the Health Employers’ Association (HEABC) at some time this summer. CSSEA is working with the affected agencies, PSEC, unions and HEABC to ensure a smooth transition.
Our management team and HRLR staff recently participated in a PSEC Secretariat-led meeting with the impacted employers, where a wide range of questions were fielded. PSEC confirmed that the transition process will take several months and that HEABC will be providing more specific guidance on how employers can best prepare for the transfer. It was also confirmed that members will be assigned a Consultant for their queries much like the arrangement they have at CSSEA.
We plan to hold an additional information meeting in coordination with HEABC and PSEC Secretariat in the next few weeks. We will also keep the general membership informed about sectoral issues related to this transfer as necessary. CSSEA understands that this is an uncertain time for those affected and we assure employers that we are committed to supporting this transition as fully as we are able.
Essential Services Mediations and Collective Bargaining
Essential services mediations commenced earlier this month and will continue daily until mid-July. As of now, roughly half of the outstanding plans have been successfully negotiated and CSSEA;s HRLR staff continue to support employers in their mediations, as required.
CSSEA’s Bargaining Team has both virtual and in-person bargaining sessions confirmed into the fourth week of June. Following those dates, the parties are not expected to return to the bargaining table again until August. The parties continue to discuss their non-monetary proposals and counterproposals.
Two Weeks Remaining to Complete 2025 Compensation and Employee Turnover Reports
The deadline is fast approaching for members to complete this year’s Compensation and Employee Turnover Report. While it is always important for members to submit their reports, it is especially critical this year, given that the sector is in bargaining and your data informs government’s decision-making on funding and compensation. We ask members. including those affected by the transfer to health, to submit their reports by June 30, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact research@cssea.bc.ca.
NIDMAR and WorkSafeBC Webinar Resources
On behalf of WorkSafeBC and the National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR), we thank everyone who attended the virtual webinar last month on WorkSafeBC’s Bill 41 resources and NIDMAR funding opportunity. The webinar generated a valuable discussion on return-to-work obligations and the disability management research pilot project available to members. Those who wish to revisit the presentation materials may do so online: Bill 41 presentation, NIDMAR pilot project presentation and application form.
Lone Worker Safety Webinar
Members are reminded that they are invited to attend an information webinar on June 23 from 11am to noon on TELUS’ Connected Worker device. This service offers enhanced employee safety through real-time monitoring and emergency response capabilities, and may be valuable in your workplaces. The session is complimentary, though attendees are required to register online to secure their space. If you have any registration questions, please contact Doris Sun, Director of Communications, at dsun@cssea.bc.ca.
Annual Report: Call for Photos
As CSSEA begins work on its 2025 Annual Report, we once again invite members to send images from their agencies over the past year for potential inclusion. Photos that showcase agency events, team members out in community, with individuals served, and the like, will be gratefully accepted. We ask that everyone pictured in your submitted photos consent to their image(s) being published online and in print. Please e-mail your photos to Doris Sun, Director of Communications, at dsun@cssea.bc.ca. The deadline for submission is July 31.
Summer Greetings
As school is now less than two weeks away from finishing for the year, we wish all those with summer plans away from their workplaces a safe, relaxing and rejuvenating break. Your efforts make a profound difference in the lives of so many, and you deserve this time to recharge. Enjoy the warm weather and time with loved ones.