As you will recall, the ratified 18th public service agreement contains a provision for the payment to members of the savings realized from the reduction in MSP premiums. This payment results from Article 25.8 of the current agreement - Legislative Changes. The article states that should a premium paid by the employer for an employee benefit be changed by a legislative change by the Government of BC, the parties will mutually agree on the disposition of the savings. 

The 50 per cent reduction in MSP premiums for this year means a saving to the employer of $13,778,146. Going forward, MSP premiums will be replaced by a payroll tax, so savings will accrue for this year only. As part of the public service negotiations, the parties agreed to apply these savings to eligible employees as of the date of ratification - August 10th.

The employer has advised that they have now confirmed the number of eligible employees as of the date of ratification:

Benefited auxiliaries and part-time employees will be eligible for a payment of $262.50.

Regular full-time employees will be eligible for a payment of $588.50.

The Public Service Agency has advised that lump sum payments will be paid out on payday, Friday October 5, 2018. The exception is the Liquor Distribution Branch, which is on a separate payroll system, will see payment made on October 12, 2018.

In solidarity,

Stephanie Smith,
President, B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union
On behalf of the BCGEU Public Service Bargaining Committee

Download PDF of notice here.

UWU/MoveUP