The Nurses’ Bargaining Association, which represents approximately 44,000 registered, psychiatric and licensed practical nurses in B.C., has ratified a new agreement under government’s Sustainable Services Negotiating Mandate.

The agreement between the Nurses’ Bargaining Association and the Health Employers’ Association of B.C. focuses on improving services for people and ensuring fair and affordable compensation. The agreement covers nurses working in hospitals, long-term care, community and public health, home support and mental health facilities throughout the province. It includes:

• a three-year term of April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2022
• general wage increases of 2% per year
• modernized staffing language that provides more certainty for employers and nurses, and improves continuity of patient care 
• improved language to clarify and streamline the process for staff to address professional practice challenges in the workplace

The Sustainable Services Negotiating Mandate supports government’s commitment to improve the services people count on, make life more affordable and invest in sustainable economic growth. The mandate is consistent with B.C.’s commitment to balanced budgets and sound fiscal management.

Currently, there are just over 197,000 public-sector employees covered by tentative or ratified agreements reached under B.C.’s Sustainable Services Negotiating Mandate.

Learn more about public sector bargaining in B.C.: gov.bc.ca/psecbargaining