The B.C. Nurses’ Union has reached a tentative deal with the Health Employers Association of B.C., 10 days after delivering a record 98.2 per cent strike vote mandate.
“This tentative agreement was reached because nurses across British Columbia came together and showed they were prepared to fight for meaningful change,” Union President Adriane Gear said in a Friday (May 22) news release.
The deal will include the same wage increase other public sector unions received, which is 12 per cent spread over four years. This deal will also include improvements to benefits coverage and enhancements to workplace safety. Exact details have not yet been released.
In addition, the Health Ministry committed to additional funding to implement minimum nurse-to-patient ratios.
Ratification voting for the 60,000-member bargaining group will be held from June 15 to 19.