100% of Public Sector Contracts Signed Before Deadline

April 1, 2006

VICTORIA – British Columbians can be proud of the tremendous effort that public sector employees and employers put into compensation negotiations, Finance Minister Carole Taylor announced today.

The minister’s comments follow the successful negotiation of 100 per cent of agreements which expired on or before March 31. Of the 51 settlements reached to date, five agreements will expire after March 31. Pending ratifications, 224,813 public sector employees are entitled to receive benefits from the $1-billion incentive. All the agreements are for four years or more, thus contributing to fiscal stability and certainty for British Columbia.

“Last November, we announced a new approach to negotiating collective agreements in British Columbia,” said Taylor. “The negotiating framework was more than just a fiscal envelope – it has set the foundation for a new relationship. We’re pleased that negotiators stepped up to the challenge to begin a dialogue and explore how we can improve services to British Columbians.

“I want to thank all of the parties from both sides for bringing that spirit to the bargaining table. While negotiations were often tough, they were respectful. Most importantly, their creativity and flexibility allowed the parties to craft solutions that fit the unique challenges and circumstances of each sector.

“It’s not finished, there is still more work to do,” added Taylor. “Most agreements are moving through ratification, and there are many other agreements, such as those in the K-12 sector, that don’t expire until June 30 or beyond.

“If these parties bring the same dedication to the remaining negotiations, I’m hopeful we’ll continue to reach negotiated agreements that are fair to workers, that are affordable for taxpayers, and that deliver better services for British Columbians.”

Updated bargaining information is available at www.negotiatingframework.com.