Byline: Ian Austin, The Province
Labour problems at three B.C. nursing homes have apparently been settled.
Workers at Coquitlam's Dufferin Care Centre, Beacon Hill Villa in Victoria and Nanaimo Seniors Village were shaken with the news that they wouldn't be getting paid.
Health Minister Kevin Falcon told the legislature that a resolution was reached, and the B.C. Care Providers Association confirmed the update.
"The BCCPA has been in contact with the care provider (Retirement Concepts - RC) in this case and we are very reassured by the agreement they have announced today with Hospital Employees Union to secure the jobs of approximately 200 employees at the three long-term care facilities that were facing employment uncertainty," the BCCPA said in a statement.
"While BCCPA does not comment on labour and human resource issues at individual facilities, we commend RC for their rapid and transparent response to this issue - particularly as it relates to the facility staff, families and media."
While commending the agreement, the BCCPA said increasing costs are difficult for facilities to absorb.
"In addition to underfunding, care providers are faced with growing number of cost pressures including the new HST, increases to EI and MSP premiums, new client user fees and health care cuts," the association said.
"BCCPA is confident Minister Falcon understands the nature of this challenge and we are working with him and his officials on ways we can make the seniors care system more sustainable and efficient for taxpayers and the seniors we serve."
------------------
Statement from the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) regarding labour dispute at care facilities in Coquitlam, Victoria and Nanaimo
The following is a statement released today by the BC Care Providers Association. For more information, contact 604.736-4233 (x228)
"The BCCPA has been in contact with the care provider (Retirement Concepts - RC) in this case and we are very reassured by the agreement they have announced today with Hospital Employees Union to secure the jobs of approximately 200 employees at the three long-term care facilities that were facing employment uncertainty.
While BCCPA does not comment on labour and human resource issues at individual facilities, we commend RC for their rapid and transparent response to this issue - particularly as it relates to the facility staff, families and media.
However, this case should be a wake-up call that the sustainability of the seniors' care system in BC is fragile and in some crisis.
Current staffing levels cannot keep pace with the growing demand and complexities of seniors care. Within a decade, the number of seniors over 65 will outnumber children under the age of 15 for the first time. By 2025, seniors will comprise more than 20% of the population.
In addition to underfunding, care providers are faced with growing number of cost pressures including the new HST, increases to EI and MSP premiums, new client user fees and health care cuts.
BCCPA is confident Minister Falcon understands the nature of this challenge and we are working with him and his officials on ways we can make the seniors care system more sustainable and efficient for taxpayers and the seniors we serving.
BCCPA will release a full list of recommendations to improve efficiency and sustainability of the seniors' care system in coming weeks."
The BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) has represented health care leaders in BC for over 30 years. BCCPA members employ more than 7,000 people. They care for over 10,000 seniors each day in residential care and an additional 4,000 each year through home support. For more information contact www.bccare.ca.
