Media Release: Fraser Institute study misleading

VICTORIA, BC, Jan. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - "A recent study by the Fraser Institute claiming that public sector workers in BC earn 14 per cent more than private sector workers is misleading in the context of the professionals that work for the Provincial Government", said Professional Employees Association (PEA) Executive Director, Scott McCannell. 

"The study glosses over the fact that licensed professionals working for the province of BC are significantly underpaid compared to their private sector counterparts," said McCannell.

The PEA undertook a comprehensive market compensation survey in 2011 to compare wages of public and private sector professionals. The HayGroup compiled the report. 

"When you compare the wages of BC's public service professionals, including engineers, foresters, geologists, psychologists and pharmacists to the private sector you will find that BC public service professionals lag the market by between 11 and 42 per cent," said McCannell quoting the study.  "This gap means the province will continue to experience growing problems recruiting the skilled professionals necessary to ensure public safety and the stewardship of public resources". 

The PEA represents over 1200 licensed professionals who work for the BC public service. 

SOURCE: Professional Employees Association

Media Contact:

Brett Harper, PEA Communications
Direct: 250-385-8791 ext. 206
Cell: 250-507-6406