B.C. health workers secure tentative 4-year deal with 3% annual raises

A bargaining group representing more than 67,000 hospital and long-term care workers across British Columbia has reached a tentative four-year agreement with their employers, securing steady wage increases and new workplace protections.

The Facilities Bargaining Association, which includes nine unions, says the deal provides a three per cent general wage increase in each of the next four years, along with improvements to shift premiums, leave provisions, and various employee allowances.

Lead negotiator Lynn Bueckert said the agreement aims to help the province attract and retain front-line workers amid ongoing staffing shortages.

“This tentative deal secures wage improvements to better attract, retain and support front-line health care workers,” Bueckert said.

Additional workplace supports

The agreement also introduces expanded occupational safety measures, improved work-life balance provisions, and new supports for Indigenous workers and diversity initiatives across the health sector.

In a statement, the B.C. Finance Ministry confirmed it includes a low-wage redress component — addressing a roughly 15 per cent wage cut imposed in 2004 under a previous provincial government, which affected some of the lowest-paid workers.

Next steps

Union members will take part in an online ratification vote from Dec. 15 to 19.

The four-year wage pattern mirrors a separate agreement ratified recently by B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) members following an eight-week labour dispute.

If approved, the deal will cover workers employed across hospitals, long-term care homes, and related health facilities throughout the province.