LPNs not affected by FBA tentative agreement

May 23, 2014

The May 15 tentative agreement reached between the Facilities Bargaining Association and the Health Employers Association of BC does not affect the over 8,500 health authority or affiliate employed Licensed Practical Nurses working in the province.

Bill 18 - the Health Authorities Amendment Act - enacted in April of 2013, defined LPNs as nurses for the purposes of bargaining and transferred LPNs from the facilities and community health subsectors into the Nurses' Bargaining Association. As a result, LPNs will not be participating in the upcoming ratification vote to be held for healthcare support workers who are covered by the FBA agreement.

NBA negotiations are ongoing. Until an agreement is reached between the NBA and health employers, LPNs will continue to be governed by the terms of the 2012-2014 FBA agreement or 2012-2014 Community Bargaining Association agreement, regardless of the outcome of the ratification vote for the proposed 2014-2019 FBA agreement.

Please contact your regional chair if you require further information.