The BC Nurses Union has reached a tentative deal with the province.
The five year deal includes a five and a half percent raise, covering 42,000 registered, psychiatric, and licensed nurses in BC.
“What we’ve been able to achieve is a comprehensive agreement for nurses in every sector, something for everyone, we’ve improved compensation and benefits which was key.” Nurses Union President Gayle Duteil said
Although few details will be made public prior to ratification votes, Duteil says she’s particularly happy with the strides they have made in workplace safety.
“We will be establishing a culture of safety and violence prevention at every worksite. We have strong commitments from the Ministry of Health and funding attached to it to improve the safety of nurses across BC.”
Nurses have been without a contract for about two years, but they still won’t be rushing towards ratification.
“Last time we heard from the nurses that they felt rushed in making the decision, so we will be taking our time going across the province as a bargaining committee and counsel and meeting with the nurses in every worksite that we are able to get to.”
Ratification votes will take place across the province in the coming weeks, with the results being released May 10th.