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The work of a labour union can have a very broad scope. Here are some highlights:

• We negotiate a collective agreement (CA), also known as a contract. During negotiations, we fight for fair wages, benefit improvements and additional worker protections. Many bodies of regulation or nation-wide benefits are a result of union work and activism. Some examples are the Canada Pension Plan and the Occupational Health and Safety regulations.

  Island Health negotiations are done in collaboration with provincial associations and other unions. Visit the Island Health union home page to learn more.

• We represent workers in investigations, disciplinary meetings, and other meetings as requested by the worker.

• We may file a grievance on a worker’s behalf if there is an alleged breach of the collective agreement or contract, policy, or other regulation relating to worker rights and protections.

• We track workplace issues and concerns which may not yet meet the threshold for a grievance. We discuss these concerns with the employer during Labour-Management meetings and attempt to resolve them with collaboration.

• We are your voice at regional, provincial and national events to ensure the larger labour movement is advocating for our community’s needs. Our political action committee transforms concerns into ‘Resolutions’ which are submitted to our parent organizations for review and action.

• We identify and support activists within our membership, if they wish to become more involved.

Contact your union representative immediately:

• Before disciplinary meetings. request a shop steward be present.

• Contract disputes: Any disagreement on interpretation or application of the contract or collective agreement.

• Rights concerns: Feeling your workplace rights are being violated

• Safety issues: Unsafe conditions not addressed by management

Time-sensitive reporting:

• VIHA: Within 21 calendar days of the issue

• CRD & West Shore: Within 15 working days

• GVHS: Within 30 working days

Time limits are strict. Contact your union as soon as an issue arises.

A grievance is a formal employee complaint that alleges a violation of workplace contract terms or policy. Some examples are:

• Employer not following the Collective Agreement

• Employee’s workplace rights are denied

• Unsafe workplace conditions

The union determines whether to file a grievance on your behalf, after assessing the information you give your shop steward.

There can be several factors involved in this decision. Please contact us as soon as you can to discuss.

We are happy you asked!

Visit our Get Involved page to see all the ways you can contribute to your union.