BC health-sciences workers reach tentative contract, including 12% pay increase over 4 years
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A temporary contract agreement has been reached for the group representing 25,000 health-science professionals in British Columbia.
The Health Employers Association of BC and the Health Sciences Professionals Bargaining Association issued separate statements announcing the deal, which is based on the government’s balanced measures mandate — which dictates how the government negotiates with public sector workers.
Ministry of Finance issued a statement Saying more details will not be released until after the ratification vote, the union says the deal includes a 12 percent pay increase over four years, the maximum possible under the mandate.
The union is recommending its members vote to accept the agreement, which also has reforms to address working conditions and “tackle waiting times for the public and professional shortages caused by cancellations.”
The Finance Ministry says the agreement includes some additional funding for measures to relieve staff stress, investment in professional development and reimbursement of professional fees.
The association’s members include people providing a wide range of services such as physiotherapists, pharmacists, psychologists and social workers.
Contract negotiations began nearly a year ago, and the union statement said the agreement was reached after the parties returned to the bargaining table for five days of talks, including a marathon session that lasted 24 hours.
