CSSEA Website – New Look Coming Soon
We will be relaunching our website on February 24 with a modern new look. The refreshed website will still hold the HRLR resources, news, job postings, wage grids etc. that members have come to rely on, and will present those features in a cleaner and more user-friendly style. The website was redesigned to improve navigation by placing quick links for the most-used pages right on the homepage. Other features include:
- A dynamic design, integrating images, infographics and interactive links to break up large volumes of text.
- New Library feature, which will allow users to find wage grids, collective agreements and annual reports by date or keyword.
- Password-protected content, such as Employers Interpretation Guides, templates and relevant arbitrations, which can be accessed by logging in using your existing username and this one-time password:[please see email version of this communication for the password]. You will be prompted to change your password upon first log in.
If you have any access issues, please contact cssea@cssea.bc.ca. Any feedback on the website can be directed to Doris Sun, Director of Communications, at: dsun@cssea.bc.ca.
Reminder to Provide Technical Information
CSSEA members who have not yet submitted technical employee information to their unions pursuant to Article 8.4 of the Collective Agreements are reminded to do so as soon as possible. Some of the unions have also sent reminders. Article 8.4 provides as follows:
8.4 Technical Information
(a)The Employer agrees to provide to the Union such information as is available relating to employees in the bargaining unit, as may be required by the Union for collective bargaining purposes.
(b) In January of each year the Employer will provide to the Union a list of all employees in the bargaining unit, their job titles, addresses and their phone numbers.
Note also that overlapping information is to be provided twice yearly by Employers under Article 12.2 – Seniority List. Information sought by your union beyond the items specified in Articles 8.4 and 12.2 may be provided voluntarily if it is practical to do so.
If you have any questions, please contact your HRLR Consultant or Advocate.
Essential Services Database Launching February 24
Following several rounds of testing the new online Essential Services Database with a focus group of members, CSSEA will be launching it on February 24. Members can expect to receive an extensive backgrounder and user guide, as well as an invitation to learn about the database through educational webinars planned for early March. We believe this electronic database will be an important tool for the sector in this round of bargaining and beyond, and look forward to sharing more details with you soon.
WorkSafeBC Return-to-Work Tools & Templates Update
WorkSafeBC has developed Return-to-Work (RTW) Tools & Templates that complement our Early Intervention Program for staff that are injured in the workplace. Though these documents for employers are not mandatory to use, they can help with aligning your RTW programs with the new duty to cooperate RTW requirements (WorkSafeBC Bill 41) and the employee’s new shift in work abilities. These resources can be applied at your agency for both occupational and non-occupational leaves.
WorkSafeBC Resources
If you have questions please contact Satvinder Basran, EIP Coordinator at: sbasran@cssea.bc.ca or by telephone at: 604.601.3127 or toll-free: at 1.800.377.3340 Ext. 127.
Awards of Excellence Nominations Opening Soon
CSSEA is preparing to open this year’s Community Social Services Awards of Excellence nominations process on March 3. In anticipation of this year’s 10th anniversary milestone, we encourage all members to take part in nominating an outstanding individual working in our sector. Recipients will be honoured in Kelowna on October 10 at a luncheon that will be held at the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our sector and thank Telus for their continued support of this important recognition program for the last decade.
Keeping Employees Safe When Driving Personal Vehicles – Free Webinar
Road Safety at Work will be presenting a free webinar on March 7 at 10am that addresses safety requirements, responsibilities and best practices for individuals who drive their own vehicle for work. The one-hour session will be hosted on Zoom and is open to all employers by registering here.