B.C. community health workers to get ‘significant’ wage increase in new deal
Posted March 1, 2023 12:29 pm.
Last Updated March 3, 2023 4:21 pm.
A B.C. union representing healthcare support workers has accepted a new deal collective agreement that will see “significant” wage increases.
The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) says over 94 per cent of eligible workers in the Community Bargaining Association voted to ratify the deal with the Health Employers Association of British Columbia. According to the union, the agreement will cover more than 21,000 workers in the sector.
This agreement affects community healthcare professionals who support seniors, people living with mental health and addiction challenges, along with administrative staff.
According to the union, the tentative agreement will see “significant” wage increases for workers averaging from 14 to 16 per cent over the three-year deal. It will also see the protection of workers’ benefits, and give employees “better control over their working conditions,” the union says.
BCGEU president Stephanie Smith said in a release Wednesday, the goal for the latest round of bargaining was to “make meaningful progress toward closing the pay gap with their peers in other health sectors.”
She added the goal was met and important progress has been made to sustain this long-term.
The new agreement will come into effect April 1, and last until March 31, 2025.
