Professionals reach tentative agreement with B.C. Government

VICTORIA, BC, March 2 /CNW/ - The Professional Employees Association has reached a tentative agreement with the Province of British Columbia.

The deal extends the current collective agreement between the Professional Employees Association and the Province for two years, to March 31st, 2012, and provides renewed employment security provisions.

"We achieved the employment security that was a key priority for government licensed professionals," says Jodi Jensen, Executive Director and chief negotiator for the Professional Employees Association. "With the budget being released today, this agreement provides our members with a level of certainty in uncertain times."

Negotiations have taken place amidst government layoffs of professionals in the Ministry of Forests and Range. The most recent staffing reductions were announced by the Province in January.

The agreement covers 1,400 licensed professionals working for various ministries, including professional engineers, foresters, licensed psychologists, pharmacists, and veterinarians.

The Professional Employees Association is an independent union representing professionals employed by a variety of employers in British Columbia.

For further information: Kyle Russell, Communications Officer, Professional Employees Association, [phone]