Resident physicians have ratified a new four-year collective agreement consistent with government's Cooperative Gains Mandate.

"Our government continues to invest in new physicians and this agreement helps to further support students choosing B.C. for their education and to later establish their practice," said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "The agreement also provides labour stability and assurance of service for patients and families across the province."

The agreement provides residents physicians with two years of net zero, and then a wage increase of 1.5 per cent in January 2013 and another 1.3 per cent in April 2013.

Resident physicians are post-graduate physician trainees who have finished classroom education and are now working in health-care facilities to fulfil their practical education needs and become well-informed, prepared and professional physicians.

The agreement, covering April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2014, was reached under the provincial government's Net Zero (2010-12) and Cooperative Gains (2012-2014) mandates.

"This agreement provides for modest wage increases that fit within existing budgets, while protecting front-line services in our health facilities," said Finance Minister Michael de Jong. "Settlements under the 2012 mandate are expected to be unique between sectors and employers as the parties find savings within existing budgets. Today's agreement is an example of how the Cooperative Gains Mandate gives flexibility for unique settlements that work for the employer and members. I expect to see more unique settlements as we move forward."

The 2012 Cooperative Gains Mandate applies to all public-sector employers whose collective agreements expire on or after Dec. 31, 2011. The mandate provides public sector employers with the ability to negotiate modest wage increases funded from savings within existing budgets, without adding costs to taxpayers and ratepayers, or sacrificing services.

Under this mandate, agreements have been reached with the BCGEU for the public service and Community Living BC, the BC Nurses Union, Professional Association of Residents of BC and support staff unions at research universities.

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)