New deal for government workers

VERNON — Thousands of BC government workers have ratified a new labour deal with the province.

The three year agreement covers 26,500 employees in social, environmental and public safety services, as well as members of the Liquor Distribution Branch and some at the BC Pension Corporation.

The deal includes wage increases of 2 per cent per year, with additional funding to address staffing shortages with child protection social workers, deputy sheriffs and corrections officers.

A government news release says it also updates scheduling language to ensure consistent staffing levels so people can access services when and where they need them, and contains improvements to hiring and classification processes so the public service can respond quickly to urgent needs and deliver on top government priorities, like accessible child care and affordable housing.