Unions representing 60,000 B.C. healthcare workers reach tentative contract deal

The union representing the majority of 60,000 hospital and long-term care workers in British Columbia says a tentative agreement has been reached with the Hospital Employers Association of B.C. after 65 days of contract negotiations.

The Hospital Employees’ Union says the three-year deal includes “significant compensation improvements” and “measures to tackle serious staffing shortages and worker burnout.”

A statement from Meena Brisard, the lead negotiator for the nineunion Facilities Bargaining Association, says protecting members’ earnings against rising living costs was a priority during the talks that began in February.

She says the tentative deal struck Thursday also includes “major new investments” in training and education and a commitment to hire thousands of new workers.

Other provisions give workers a greater voice when it comes to changes to shifts and rotations and provide more comprehensive health and safety protections.

The Hospital Employees’ Union says its provincial executive will review the terms of the tentative deal next week and full details will be provided to members before they decide whether to accept it in a vote that has yet to be scheduled.

The union represents more than 90 per cent of employees covered by the agreement across a range of jobs in hospitals, care homes, clinics, corporate offices and supply warehouses, working directly with patients as well as in support services.

The tentative deal also includes provisions promoting greater inclusion and equity in health care, including measures to strengthen “progress toward reconciliation and culturally safe health-care delivery,” the union’s statement says.