The B.C. Public Service Agency and the Union of Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia (UPNBC) and the British Columbia Nurses' Union (BCNU) have now ratified a new agreement under the government's 2010 mandate, announced Finance Minister Kevin Falcon.

The UPNBC and the BCNU represent approximately 700 nurses that work at Riverview Hospital, Forensic Psychiatric Services, Oak Bay Lodge, Broadmead Lodge, and through the ministries of Children and Family Development, Health, and Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Quote:

Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon:

"On behalf of British Columbians, I want to congratulate the UPNBC and the BCNU for ratifying the agreement. This negotiated agreement, reached during challenging times, ensures critical services will continue to be provided by this dedicated group of public servants."

Quick Facts:

* To protect jobs and preserve vital services British Columbians depend on, the Province's bargaining mandate does not provide funding for new wage increases as collective agreements are renewed.

* There are approximately 306,000 unionized workers in occupations throughout B.C.'s public sector, the great majority of which have agreements that expired between March 31, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2010.

* More than two-thirds of those employees have now renegotiated agreements that were set to expire in 2010, including agreements covering 99 per cent of health-care workers.

Learn More:

Updated bargaining information is available at:

http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/psec/bargaining2010/

Contact:

Jamie Edwardson

Communications Manager

Ministry of Finance

250 356-9872

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect