Tentative deal reached for 44,000 nurses across B.C.

British Columbia’s 44,000 nurses have reached a tentative agreement with the provincial government following weeks of negotiation.

The deal still has to be ratified, but Christine Sorensen, president of the B.C. Nurses’ Union, said she’s looking forward to sharing the details of the deal with members.

“I’m very hopeful that the nurses will ratify this agreement,” she said. “It’s been a long process. I’m excited to bring this deal forward. It’s really good for our members, and it’s good for the patients of B.C.”

Details of the agreement were not released, but Sorensen said negotiations included a number of key priorities nurses had brought forward, including concerns around patient care and safety.

The agreement falls under the province’s sustainable services negotiating mandate, which applies to unionized public sector employees whose collective agreements expire at the end of the year.

For 2019, the mandate includes a general wage increase of two per cent in each year of a three-year term.

The BCNU’s current contract expires March 31, 2019.

The union started negotiations with the Health Employers’ Association of B.C. in September.

The agreement covers registered, psychiatric and licensed practical nurses working in hospitals, long-term care, community and public health, home support and mental health facilities across B.C.

The union will begin sharing details of the tentative deal on Dec. 10, said Sorensen. Ratification votes will be held until Jan. 21, with results expected to be announced by Jan. 22.