Bargaining Successes
Highlights from the 2022-25 NBA Collective Agreement
Members of the Nurses' Bargaining Association (NBA) successfully ratified a three-year collective agreement, effective April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2025. This agreement introduced significant improvements in compensation, shift flexibility, and minimum nurse-patient ratios, addressing key priorities of BCNU members.
Wage Increases (Retroactive to April 1, 2022)
The agreement included wage increases throughout the three-year period:
- Year 1: $0.25/hr + 3.24% increase, retroactive to April 1, 2022
- Year 2: 6.75% increase, retroactive to April 1, 2023
- Year 3: 2% increase, with a potential cost-of-living adjustment (up to 3%)
Additionally, the wage schedule was redesigned to provide meaningful career growth with new increment steps at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service.
Unprecedented Premiums
Significant increases were made to shift premiums, on-call rates, and responsibility pay, recognizing the value of nurses' contributions:
- Regular premium (new): $2.15/hr
- Preceptor premium (new): $1.50/hr
- Evening shift: Increased from $0.70 to $1.40/hr
- Night shift: Increased from $3.50 to $5.00/hr
- Weekend shift: Increased from $2.30 to $3.50/hr
- Super shift premium: Increased from $1.00 to $1.85/hr
- On-call premiums:
- Less than 72 hours: Increased from $5.75 to $7.00/hr
- More than 72 hours: Increased from $6.25 to $7.50/hr
- Difficult-to-fill areas: Increased from ~$0.31/hr to $2.00/hr
- Responsibility premium: Increased from $1.25 to $2.50/hr ($9.38/shift to $18.75/shift for small employers)
- Isolation travel allowance: Increased from $74.00/month to $150.00/month
- Community business allowance: Increased from $50.00/month to $150.00/month
Workplace Safety and Support
Measures were implemented to enhance workplace safety:
- Improved access to critical incident support
- Five additional Enhanced Disability Management Program representatives to expand support services
- Increased violence prevention training to promote a safer environment
Embracing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
New contract language will also advance the principles of diversity, equity and inclusivity to ensure all BCNU members are welcome in their workplace. The ratified contract includes the establishment of four new full-time steward positions tasked with promoting truth and reconciliation, cultural safety and DEI in the workplace
A genuine commitment to truth and reconciliation, cultural safety and strategies to address Indigenous-specific racism in the health-care system are also incorporated in the agreement.
Other Gains
The ratification of the 2022-2025 collective agreement also secured the following historic funding agreements reached between the NBA and provincial government.
Staffing Ratios
A historic $750 million dollars over three years to implement minimum nurse-to-patient ratios, making BC the first province in Canada to adopt this transformative staffing model. This funding will be allocated in phases:
- $200 million in year one
- $250 million in year two
- $300 million in year three
$100-Million Nurse Support Fund and Career Laddering
The agreement also established a $100-million fund to support nurses' well-being, career development, and retention. This includes career laddering opportunities to help licensed practical nurses (LPNs) become registered nurses (RNs).
$108.6-Million Retention and Mentorship Fund
In addition to the general wage improvements, the agreement provides $108.6 million in ongoing funding for retention initiatives. This includes mentorship and preceptorship incentives to support nurses' professional development and job satisfaction.
$60-Million Nurse Support Fund
The agreement also established a $60-million fund to support nurses' well-being, retention, and professional development, focusing on mental health and workplace support.