Health science professionals ratify new collective agreement
Over 25,000 members of the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association have voted 90% in favour of a new collective agreement effective April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2029.
The contract delivers a 12% wage increase over the four-year term, and the increase is retroactive to April 1, 2025.
The contract also delivers significant progress on classifications and improvements to premiums, special leave, isolation allowance, portability, employer-paid professional fees, scheduling, occupational health and safety, and dedicated union stewards. There is a one-time fund of $3.5 million for professional development and education, with an increase of annual funding to $600,000 in 2027, a new Cultural Revitalization Fund to support Indigenous employees, an expansion of the Cultural Days of Significance pilot, and a new commitment to end the practice of contracting in or out.
“I’m proud of the work done by the negotiating team and the bargaining committee under very challenging conditions,” said HSA President Sarah Kooner. “Despite a very restrictive provincial mandate, your representatives achieved significant progress in all the areas identified as priorities by the membership.”
“Our membership stood together when it mattered. By voting 90% in favour of job action in December, members across all professions and communities strengthened the position of the bargaining committee and helped achieve the extra funding needed for this contract.”
Dates for the delivery of retroactive payment will be determined as quickly as possible, and will be announced as soon as they are set. Expect to see an announcement in early April. Members are reminded that delivery of retroactive pay is in the hands of the employer, and that timing may vary from one to the next.
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.