The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) has agreed to begin negotiations with the Community Social Services Employers’ Association of BC (CSSEA) aimed at concluding  renewal collective agreements with members in Community Social Services.

The existing contracts between the CSSEA and CSSBA expire on March 31, 2019.

“I’m pleased to be getting to the bargaining table early,” said President Ivan Limpright. “It’s no secret that the Community Social Services sector has been in crisis for over a decade. With this round of bargaining, we look forward to improving the working conditions and lives of our members – caring professionals who provide support to some of the most vulnerable British Columbians.”

UFCW 1518 has been preparing for a return to the bargaining table since late last year, gathering members’ proposals and planning a bargaining conference, which will take place May 6-9 at the Guilford Sheraton in Surrey, BC.

UFCW 1518 belongs to the CSSBA along with nine other unions, including BCGEU, CUPE, HEU, HSA, USW, CSWU, BCNU, and SEIU. Community Social Services consist of three collective agreements, which are Community Living Services, General Services and Aboriginal Services.

Bargaining will commence on May 15, 2018.