HSPBA Bargaining Update: Tentative Agreement Reached

Dear PEA members,

BC’s 25,000 specialized health professionals reached a tentative agreement in the early hours of Friday morning, after almost one year of negotiations between the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) and Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC).

Members prioritized improvements to wages, classifications, work-life balance, recognition and respect, and partnership for quality health care. This tentative agreement provides gains in all these areas, despite the province’s significant fiscal challenges.

It provides general wage increases of 12% over four years, the maximum possible under the government’s wage mandate, and equal to that offered to other public service professionals in BC.

To address working conditions and service improvements and deal with professional shortages, driving wait times, and cancelations for the public, gains have also been made in classifications, scheduling, premiums, special leave, occupational health and safety, professional development funding, dedicated steward time and professional fees.

The union is recommending members vote yes to accept the agreement.

HSPBA negotiations are led by HSA, which represents over 20,000 health science professionals in BC. Another 5000 health science professionals are represented by four constituent unions: Canadian Union of Public Employees, BC General Employees’ Union, Professional Employees Association, and Hospital Employees’ Union.

Complete information about the tentative agreement will be provided to members starting at the end of the coming week. This will include a comprehensive briefing for local reps, an information package for members, and town halls at which members can ask questions.

All members will be given a chance to vote on the tentative agreement in an online ratification vote to be held in a few weeks. Dates will be announced shortly.

In solidarity,

Idil Farah
Labour Relations Officer