Media Release: Professional Employees Association reaches tentative agreement 

Media Release: Professional Employees Association reaches tentative agreement
 

March 12, 2026 (Victoria) – The Professional Employees Association (PEA), representing more than 1,800 Government Licensed Professionals in the BC public service, have reached a tentative agreement with the provincial government’s Public Service Agency (PSA).  

The tentative agreement comes ten months after bargaining began with the PSA and follows a historic eight-week strike alongside the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU). PEA Executive Director and lead negotiator Melissa Moroz spoke about the commitment of members and the solidarity between the two unions. 

“Our members showed extraordinary resolve during this round of bargaining,” said Moroz. “For eight weeks we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the BCGEU, demanding a fair deal from the BC Government. This agreement shows what’s possible when we unite in solidarity.”   

Under the new tentative agreement, PEA members will receive a general wage increase of 3% per year for four years, with the terms in effect until March 31, 2029. Along with non-monetary gains, the union also achieved important rights including employment security, enhanced health and wellness benefits, improvements to overtime compensation, and key terms for government lawyers who became part of the PEA in 2023.  

“It’s been a long road to get here,” said Moroz. “There were months of negotiations after the picket lines came down, but we didn’t walk those picket lines to settle for less. Our members were united across professions because they know the value of their work and how important it is to the people of British Columbia. This is a deal they can be proud of.” 

Members will now vote on the tentative agreement, which is being recommended by the bargaining committee.
 

About the PEA 
Established in 1974 to represent Government Licensed Professionals in the BC Public Service, the Professional Employees Association (PEA) is a labour union in British Columbia representing professionals across the public service, education, legal, union, and health care sectors. For more information on Government Licensed Professionals: www.pea.org/bcexperts 

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Media Contact: Jordana Whetter, Communications Director 

Jwhetter@pea.org 250.516.5552