The neighbourhood house collective agreement 2018 outlines the terms and conditions of employment for neighbourhood house workers in British Columbia. The agreement, which covers approximately 500 employees across 60 neighbourhood houses, was reached after months of negotiations between the Community Social Services Employers` Association and the British Columbia Government and Service Employees’ Union.
The agreement includes a wage increase of 2% in the first year, followed by a 1% increase in each of the following two years. This wage increase is in line with other collective agreements in the social services sector and is aimed at ensuring that neighbourhood house workers are fairly compensated for their work.
In addition to the wage increase, the agreement includes improvements to benefits, including expanded health and dental coverage, and a new employee assistance program. These benefits are designed to support the health and well-being of neighbourhood house workers, who can face significant stress and burnout as a result of their work supporting vulnerable members of their communities.
The agreement also includes provisions around workload and job security. This includes the creation of a joint workload committee to address workload concerns and ensure that neighbourhood house workers have a reasonable workload. Additionally, the agreement includes language around job security, including provisions around layoff notice and severance pay.
Overall, the neighbourhood house collective agreement 2018 represents a significant win for neighbourhood house workers in British Columbia. The wage increases and improved benefits will help ensure that these workers are able to continue providing vital services to their communities while maintaining their own health and well-being. Additionally, the provisions around workload and job security are crucial in ensuring that these workers are able to do their jobs effectively and without fear of losing their jobs. The agreement is a testament to the commitment of both the employers and the union to supporting the vital work of neighbourhood houses in British Columbia.