Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.
The bargaining association representing more than 67,000 health-care workers in B.C.’s hospitals and long-term care facilities says it has reached a new four-year deal with its employers.
The Facilities Bargaining Association, which represents nine separate unions, says the new deal will see members receive a three per cent general wage increase in each of the four years.
The association says the agreement also includes increases for some shift premiums, leaves and allowances, and it will also expand occupational safety measures.
The deal has new supports for Indigenous workers as well as enhanced workplace diversity and work-life balance measures.
In a statement, the B.C. Finance Ministry said the agreement with the Health Employers Association of B.C. also includes a low-wage redress in response to a 15 per cent wage cut imposed on some workers by the former provincial government in 2004.
An online ratification vote will be held for union members from Dec. 15 to 19.
Lead negotiator Lynn Bueckert said in a statement that the tentative deal “secures wage improvements to better attract, retain and support front-line health care workers” in B.C.
The wage increases in the deal are the same as what B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) members ratified in their own new agreement with the province, following an eight-week labour dispute.