Vancouver and Surrey, BC – Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health have signed an agreement with the Community Bargaining Association to support the transfer of home support employees currently working for a contracted service provider to one of the health authorities.
The Transfer of Employment Agreement (TEA) is meant to preserve the continuity of care for clients and continuity of employment for employees. It confirms the employee’s current employment status (regular or casual) as well as entitlements such as seniority, sick leave and wage protection. Health and safety benefit coverage and pension will also be maintained.
Unionized staff currently employed by the contracted agencies will continue to be covered by collective agreements when they become employees of the two health authorities. Excluded staff will also be offered comparable employment. In total, up to 3,000 home support staff will be eligible for employment with Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health.
The transition of staff and clients will begin in August 2019, and is expected to be completed by March 2020. Information sessions have been organized to support staff through the transition process.
Home support refers to personal care services provided by Community Health Workers that allow clients to live independently and safely in their own homes for as long as possible.
On March 13, 2019, the health authorities announced they would not be renewing their contracts with external service providers for home support services. Those contracts are set to expire in March 2020.
Employees requiring additional information can contact:
Fraser Health:
Website: www.fraserhealth.ca
Email: FHAhomesupport@fraserhealth.ca
Vancouver Coastal Health:
Website: www.vch.ca/homesupport
Email: VCHhomesupport@vch.ca
Phone: 1-877-708-5224 (toll free)
For media inquiries, please contact:
Fraser Health
Media line: 604-613-0794
Email: media@fraserhealth.ca
Vancouver Coastal Health:
Gavin Wilson
604-708-5312
Gavin.Wilson@vch.ca