VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – You could see some changes in service at your local hospital thanks to a potential strike from workers.
    
Health-care workers representing 11 unions have voted in favour of a strike. Ninety-six percent of members, including care aides, LPNS and ambulance paramedics are voting in favour to walking off the job.
  
Bonnie Pearson with the union says it boils down to money.

“We expect to negotiate a fair and reasonable wage increase.  Health care workers have contributed more than their share in assisting health employers and the government over the years with their tight budgets,” explains Pearson.

She adds “Members have been unequivocal about protecting their benefits and that’s really what this struggle is all about.   We’re looking for a fair and reasonable wage increase but not at the expense of giving up our benefits to pay for it.”

Pearson is hoping this will prompt the employer and government to return to the negotiating table and find a solution before they’re forced to take strike action.
    
She says “We believe it sends a very clear message to the government and health employers to come back to the bargaining table and bring in a more flexible overall approach.  Government has been able to find settlements in other parts of the public sector, they have not required the same kind of demands that are being tabled in health.”

Although she can’t release how many members voted, she says voter turnout was large.
    
The current contract expired March 31.