B.C. government licensed professionals ratify collective agreement

VICTORIA, May 13 /CNW/ - Members of the Professional Employees Association (PEA) employed by the provincial government have voted 86% in favour of a two-year collective agreement. Negotiators for the PEA and the Province reached a tentative settlement earlier in the year.

The agreement covers 1,400 licensed professionals employed directly by the Province for their expertise in environmental and resource management, transportation, health, and public safety. PEA members include Agrologists, Engineers, Foresters, Geoscientists, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, and Veterinarians.

"This round of bargaining took place against a difficult economic backdrop" explains Frank Kohlberger, President of the Professional Employees Association. "Many licensed professionals are employed in resource ministries, which are grappling with reductions in budgets and staffing. In this agreement we were able to achieve improved employment security, which was a key priority for our members."

Voting took place by mail ballot over a three week period.

Highlights of the agreement include:

    
    -   Two-year term
    -   Improved Employment Security
    -   Retention of all Recruitment and Retention Allowances
    -   Improved flexibility in accessing leave
    -   Process to improve administration of compensation provisions for
        licensed professions called on to respond to provincial emergencies
    

The Professional Employees Association is an independent union representing professionals employed by a variety of public and private sector employers in B.C.

For further information: Jodi Jensen, Executive Director, Professional Employees Association, [phone]