The unions representing tens of thousands of health care workers have reached a tentative three-year agreement with the province.
After 65 days of bargaining, the nine-union Facilities Bargaining Association, representing more than 60,000 health-care workers, and the Health Employers Association of B.C. have reached a tentative deal that includes wage hikes and measures to address staffing shortages.
Union members, who work in hospitals and long-term care facilities as well as corporate offices and supply warehouses, have not yet seen the details of the agreement and a date has yet to be said to put it to a vote.
Lead negotiator Meena Brisard, secretary-business manager for the Hospital Employees’ Union that represents 90 per cent of the workers, said the deal provides “inflation-sensitive” wage increases as well as compensation to help retain experienced workers and attract others.
“We’ve secured major new investments in training and education and a commitment to hire thousands of new workers,” Brisard said in a statement.
The tentative deal promises reduced workloads and more secure work, “which is key to addressing the staffing crisis we face today,” she said.
Other provisions will give workers a greater voice on changes to shifts and rotations, along with more comprehensive health and safety protections, Brisard said.
The agreement also has provisions to promote greater inclusion and equity in health care, including measures to strengthen reconciliation and culturally safe health-care delivery, the HEU said.
The HEU provincial executive will review the terms next week and full details of the agreement will be provided to union members in advance of voting.
