The multi-union Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA) representing 47,000 health care workers has reached a tentative settlement with B.C.s health employers.

The five-year agreement was reached with the assistance of mediator Vince Ready.

The FBA bargaining committee is unanimously recommending the agreement to its constituent unions, and the provincial executive of the Hospital Employees Union (HEU) voted today to recommend ratification to its members. HEU represents a majority of the workers covered by the collective agreement.

The settlement includes 5.5 per cent in general wage increases over the life of the agreement, limits contracting out, expands employment options and protects benefits.

It also includes provisions that enhance the ability of paramedics to work within a community paramedicine model, and addresses outstanding issues around paramedics pay scales.

Details of the agreement were distributed to union members this week.

HEU secretary-business manager Bonnie Pearson says the 96 per cent strike mandate delivered by union members two weeks ago helped secure the tentative deal.

Health care workers signaled clearly that they were determined to protect jobs and improve working and caring conditions, Pearson said. This agreement meets those conditions and provides a measure of stability and certainty in a health care system that is under considerable stress.

The collective agreement includes workers in hospitals, residential care facilities, emergency health services, and logistics and supply operations. Its the largest bargaining unit in B.C.s public sector.

The 43,600 health-care workers covered by this tentative agreement play a crucial role in keeping our health system functioning, and this agreement will ensure British Columbians who need medical care receive it in a timely and effective manner in a safe environment, added Health Minister Terry Lake.

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Health care workers reach tentative deal