Strike Vote: Public Schools Unionized Support Staff

Members with operations located in public schools may potentially be effected by picketing, as a result of CUPE school support staff recently voting in favour of strike action. 

While we have not been advised of any specific job action at this time, members are reminded that Community Social Services employers and unions have just ratified their collective agreements and your employees are not in a position to withdraw services. Such activity as failing to report to work could be deemed illegal and possibly subject to discipline.

Members should notify their HR Consultant immediately if CUPE job action prevents or in any way disrupts your employees, clients or the public from accessing your workplace.…

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Time Off for Employees to Vote in the Provincial Election

The 40^th Provincial General Election will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. In accordance with the collective agreements and with the Election Act, employees are entitled to a minimum number of hours off without loss of pay during voting hours.

Key points

• Time off is without loss of pay
• Time off is to be granted at the convenience of the employer
• Employers need only provide sufficient time off to make up the minimum block of time during the period that the polls are open

General voting day Hours

• Polls will be open for voting from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (Pacific Time) Tuesday, May 14, 2013.…

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Aboriginal Services Collective Agreement Ratified by Union Employees

We are pleased to announce the union employees represented by the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) have voted 86 per cent in favour of ratifying the new two-year tentative collective agreement for Aboriginal Services.

On April 22, 2013, CSSEA announced its members voted 100 per cent in favour of ratifying the Aboriginal Services agreement.

Next steps

CSSEA will update members on the provisions of the ratified agreement by sending an implementation guide including an updated wage grid.…

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Collective Agreements Ratified

We are pleased to announce that CSSEA’s members and the union employees represented by the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) have voted in favour of ratifying the new two-year tentative collective agreements for Community Living Services and General Services.

In online voting conducted April 15 to 18, 2013, 202 members were asked to ratify the tentative collective agreements. Overall 91% of members participated in the vote with the following percent in favour of ratification divided into their respective collective agreements:

Aboriginal Services: 100 per cent
Community Living Services: 96 per cent
General Services: 97 per cent…

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Provincial Sales Tax Reminder

This bulletin is a reminder to members who sell goods and services that you may be required to register as a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) collector, in order to be ready for the shift from the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) to the PST on April 1, 2013.

Below are links to two PST Bulletins produced by the BC Government outlining who needs to register for the PST and specific information to help thrift stores, service clubs, charitable organizations and societies understand how the PST applies to them.

http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/bulletins/pst_001.pdf
http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/bulletins/pst_304.pdf

For more information call the PST Registration Help Line at 1.877.388.4440, 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, or online at: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=589542DDDB6347F7A7C80C1783F4BA6D

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BILL 14 BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE - YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

This bulletin is intended to equip members with information to reduce the likelihood of WorkSafeBC claims due to the Workers Compensation Amendment Act (Bill 14).

Under Bill 14 passed by the provincial government in 2012, employees may be entitled to compensation for a mental disorder that is a reaction to bullying and harassment in the workplace.

As a result, employers must take reasonable steps to eliminate bullying and harassment in the workplace to ensure the health and safety of every employee.…

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An Update to CSSEA Info Issue on Protecting Employees from Influenza is now available

An update to CSSEA Info Volume 19 Issue 14 is now available here.

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Application of Appointment Policy

During the last round of bargaining, the parties agreed to new language regarding Appointment Policy. CSSEA Info 19-08 provides an explanation on how to apply the language.

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