Members of the BC General Employees’ Union public service bargaining unit have ratified a new collective agreement with the Provincial government.
According to the union, the deal was ratified by a vote of 53.4% with over 71% of eligible members voting.
The voting was open for two weeks, closing today (Monday) at 5:00 p.m..
The tentative deal was reached in early September, after nearly eight months of negotiation and a two-week strike.
The agreement includes:
- Three-year term (April 1st, 2022 to March 31st 2025)
- General wage increases
- Year 1 – a flat increase of $0.25 per hour, plus 3.24%
- Year 2 – 5.5% plus a potential Cost of Living Adjustment to a maximum of 6.75%
- Year 3 – 2% plus a potential Cost of Living Adjustment to a maximum of 3%
- A negotiable “flexibility allocation” of up to 0,25% in years 1 and 2 to support mutually beneficial outcomes for both parties.
According to the province, there was also agreement on provisions that provide Indigenous employees with access to paid leave to engage in activities what connect them to their culture and language, as well as language to support employee health and safety in the workplace.
The union represents approximately 30,000 public service employees across the province, including approximately 200 in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District.