Tentative agreement reached in community health bargaining

A settlement was achieved late in the day on Saturday, December 19 between the Community Bargaining Association, which includes the BCGEU bargaining committee, and the Health Employers' Association of B.C. (HEABC).

Highlights of the tentative agreement are:

• Wage increases of 3% and 3% for LPNs, and similar increases for LPN supervisors and Certified Dental Assistants,
• A weekend shift premium of $0.25/hr. for all weekend shifts,
• The establishment of a joint working group that will work with HEABC to improve scheduling practices.

Changes to benefits include:

• A point of sale (Blue Net) drug card.
• Vison Care has increased from $225 in 24 months up to $350 every 24 months,
• A Joint working Group has been established to examine the feasibility of short term sick leave,
• The annual EHB deductable has been increased to $100,
• Massage Therapy has been capped to $1000 annual maximum,
• Long Term Disability for the "own occupation" category has been reduced from 24 to 19 months,
• Limits have been placed on access to LTD for claimants who have pre-existing conditions.
  

More details on the agreement and information about the ratification vote will be posted soon.