With the nurses’ unions having served strike notice last week and currently conducting job action in the Lower Mainland, CSSEA reminds members that picketing activity is not directed at, nor intended to impact, CSSEA members and client services; rather it is to disrupt operations at worksites where nurses are certified in the health sector only. No employees and no nurses working at CSSEA agencies may exercise a right to strike at this time, as we have collective agreements in place until 2029 and any strike activity during the term of a collective agreement is illegal.
Some CSSEA members, however, may share worksite spaces with health sector employers that are, or may in the future be, behind picket lines. In these cases, CSSEA agency employees may elect not to cross a picket line if access points to CSSEA member agencies are not clearly identified (see article 3.11).
If your agency shares an entrance with a health sector worksite where a picket line is established in its labour dispute, you will need to clearly identify access points for free access of employees and clients.
Action Required if Your Worksite is Co-Located with a Health Sector Worksite
If you operate worksites that share entrances with health sector employers where pickets may be erected and may interfere with employee or client access to your agency, please e-mail your Consultant or Advocate and provide the following information:
- Address of your specific worksite and program, and the name and address of the health sector worksite that is co-located.
- If able, provide a visual property plan that accurately shows your agency location, the health sector employer location, and all of the entrances/exits of the entire property (Google Maps should be able to provide this).
- Mark on the plan the entrance(s)/exit(s) that your agency wishes to use as access/egress points for the unimpeded continuation of your services.
This information will be used by CSSEA in an effort to secure an agreement from the nurses’ unions on access/egress for your agency or, if necessary, a BC Labour Relations Board application and Order restricting picketing activity at your “common site” location.
Further, if your bargaining unit staff accompany your clients to medical and other appointments at health sector worksites such as hospitals that are behind pickets, access should be allowed as the health sector essential services Orders are intended to protect the essential services needed by your clients. If alternative arrangements can be made, they should be considered. However, if the services must be received behind picket lines, please also advise your Consultant or Advocate of the services required and the names of the accompanying staff, and CSSEA will aim to secure picket passes for your staff and clients so there are no concerns about the application of Article 3.11.
It is anticipated that this will be an orderly work stoppage, however, if any improper picketing activity happens, such as aggressive behaviour or physical interference, please also advise your CSSEA Consultant or Advocate.