VICTORIA, B.C. - The B.C. government has reached a tentative contract with unions representing more than 47,000 health-care workers around the province.
The two-year agreement contains no overall wage increases because the recession has left the government with a $2.8-billion deficit.
The workers are members of the Hospital Employees' Union, B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union as well as other unions, and the jobs involved range from nursing, information technology and housekeeping.
HEU spokesman Mike Old says although there are no general wage hikes, the deal does provide for compensation increases for targeted job categories.
He says it also protects extended health benefits and expands options for workers affected by restructuring and privatization.
Health Minister Kevin Falcon says the agreement, which still must be ratified, will benefit front-line health workers while giving health authorities the flexibility they need to manage the health system.