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Transition from Community Social Services to the Health Sector
October 6th, 2026
Collective Agreements
We are happy to provide an update on the transition agreement for employers moving from the
Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA) to the Health Employers Association of
BC (HEABC). This transition will determine how the Healthcare collective agreements are
implemented in April 2027.
CUPE, along with the other unions in the Community Bargaining Association (CBA), has been
working with the Health Science Professionals (HSPBA) and Nurses Bargaining Associations (NBA)
to reach agreement with HEABC on the Transition to the Healthcare collective agreements. The
Working Groups have met weekly, often twice per week, negotiating the terms of the transition
with HEABC and pushing hard for members’ priorities.
Despite our best efforts and significant progress over the summer, we could not come to full and
final agreements before October 1, 2026. As a result, the Ministry of Labour will appoint a third-
party special officer to work with the parties to resolve outstanding issues and, if required, make
binding decisions on them.
Each bargaining association has unique issues but largely overlaps in priorities related to the
transition. Because most members will be transitioning to the CBA, the following focuses on their
issues.
We know this process has sparked unease and questions for many members. The terms of the
transition agreements are important, and the Working Groups remain committed to continuing to
fight for several key issues that the HEABC refused to agree to on the eve of October 1.
The special officer will have the ability to use several approaches to work with the parties to
finalize the terms of the transition agreement (mediation, written submissions, a hearing, etc.). Our
union stands firm on its positions related to these outstanding items:
• Wage Protections
Protections for members’ existing wages for the life of the agreement (i.e. no wage loss).
• Maintaining Full-Time status and Hours of Work
Preserving existing schedules, full-time status, regular hours, and making arrangements
that support work-life balance wherever possible.• Classifications
A fair classification system that dovetails with the existing health agreements and works for
members, by minimizing disruptions.
We’ve always set out to achieve what was achievable within the CBA’s framework, including
preserving key elements of the current working conditions while unlocking key improvements
contained in the CBA.
Next Steps
Details are still undecided, and the current early provincial election will affect the appointment of
a special officer.
We will provide additional information as soon as we have more details. Thank you for your
continued patience and your commitment to supporting each other in solidarity as we work
towards the transition in the spring.
CUPE 1936 Monthly Membership Meeting Invite for September 16th @ 6:30 pm via zoom
CUPE 1936 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Time: Sep 16, 2026 06:30 PM Vancouver
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81452344022?pwd=jz6bSnZj6KIRSTXl1Dj1EPzVV0c481.1
Meeting chat link
https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/81452344022
Meeting ID: 814 5234 4022
Passcode: 571616
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Join by SIP
• 81452344022@zoomcrc.com
Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/81452344022/invitations?signature=yrO2e-pqxBZzvKwdRtRfB9Z_JNojCbFSmnu-rxRt0cQ
Call for Volunteers at Labour Day and Recovery Day
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Community Social Services Health & Safety Association of BC Newsletter
In case you missed it
Available for a Limited Time: Webinar Recording (available till Sept 5, 2026)
The Self-Care to Collective Care in Challenging Times webinar recording is now available to watch for one
month. Explore the roots of self-care and practical strategies to care for yourself, your team, and your
community while navigating challenging and imperfect systems. Watch the recording or share it with
colleagues before it expires
Watch it Now.
CUPE Metro is sponsoring two delegates to attend the National Black Canadians Summit in Winnipeg on September 18th, 19th, 20th 2026. Please email contactcupemetro@gmail.com by Friday July 24th if you are interested in attending.
The National Black Canadians Summit is more than a conference — it is a national movement.
Over three days, Black communities and allies from across Canada come together to engage in meaningful dialogue, share powerful stories, and explore solutions to the systemic challenges facing Black communities. Through keynote conversations, workshops, artistic performances, and community gatherings, the National Black Canadians Summit fosters connection, inspiration, and collective action.
At its core, the National Black Canadians Summit is a space where lived experience, research, culture, and policy meet — ensuring that community voices remain central to shaping Canada’s future.
Visit the website if you want to learn more
Join the CUPE delegation at Vancouver Pride on Sunday, August 2nd. You can RSVP for your spot here and more details will be confirmed later in July. There will also be a placard making party at the CUPE BC office on Friday, July 31st at 4:00pm. We look forward to celebrating this year’s theme of Unapologetically Queer
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Hi, A few weeks ago, I wrote asking BC locals to support CUPE 2722 members on strike at Oxfam Canada by signing and sharing their letter-writing action. The strike has now entered its fourth week. While many members are picketing outside Oxfam Canada’s Ottawa office, CUPE 2722 members here in British Columbia continue to participate in a virtual picket line alongside their colleagues across the country. As the strike goes on, messages of solidarity from fellow CUPE members can make a real difference. If your local is able, we encourage you to:
You can read CUPE BC’s recent letter to Oxfam Canada here, in which we call on the organization to return to the bargaining table and live up to the values it promotes around the world. Thank you for continuing to stand with CUPE 2722 members as they fight for a fair agreement. |
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In solidarity, Karen Ranalletta |
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CUPE BC acknowledges that the province of British Columbia is located on the homelands of 203 distinct Indigenous nations and cultures; with more than 30 different languages and close to 60 unique dialects spoken in the province. We ask all CUPE members to reflect, acknowledge and honour in their own way the First Nation land on which they live, work and play. |