Employees in the largest health care bargaining association voted in favour of a new agreement, reached under government's Cooperative Gains Mandate.

Employees represented by the Facilities Bargaining Association voted in favour of a new two-year agreement that includes a modest three per cent wage increase, ensures job security and realizes savings through administrative efficiencies in the benefit plans.

"I applaud the parties for their hard work in reaching an agreement that meets the needs of a very diverse group of employees and ensures patient services are protected," said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "This agreement now means that the vast majority of health unions have reached agreements and shows that with both parties working together, it's possible to reach deals."

The Facilities Bargaining Association represents over 46,000 health-care workers in more than 270 different jobs across the health-care system including nursing, ambulance service, health records, trades, maintenance, housekeeping, payroll and more.

"Agreements such as this show that the Cooperative Gains Mandate can lead to negotiated settlements throughout B.C.'s public sector, and that significant progress is being made despite the tough fiscal environment," said Finance Minister Michael de Jong. "I encourage employers and unions across the public sector to continue negotiating, because agreements can be reached."

Agreements with three of five health sector bargaining associations have now been reached, covering over 70 per cent of employees in the sector. In addition to the Facilities Bargaining Association, agreements have also been reached with the Nurse Bargaining Association, which included a three per cent wage increase, and the Professional Association of Residents - BC, which included a 2.8 per cent wage increase.

The agreement was reached under the B.C. government's 2012 Cooperative Gains Mandate. The mandate gives public sector employers the flexibility to find savings from existing budgets to fund modest wage increases in a way that does not add pressure to the government's bottom line, does not add costs for taxpayers or ratepayers, and does not sacrifice services to British Columbians.

Media Contact:

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