Resident Doctors of BC, Health Employers Association reach new agreement

An agreement has been reached between members of the Resident Doctors of BC and the Health Employers Association of BC.

Resident Doctors of BC represents more than 1,400 medical graduates who participate in a program leading to qualification for independent practice as a family or specialist doctor.

The new agreement includes a three-year term which is retroactive from April 1, 2022 until Mar. 31, 2025.

The first year of the agreement will see a flat increase of $0.25/hr with a greater increase for lower-paid employees. The second year will see an increase of 5.5%plus cost of living adjustments.

Finally, the third year will see a 2% increase plus cost of living adjustments to a maximum of 3% increase.

Additionally, a negotiable flexibility allocation of as much as 0.25% will be available in years one and two to support “mutually beneficial outcomes” for members and the association.

Other achievements in recent negotiations include members of Resident Doctors of BC having access to mental-health benefits and other extended health improvements plus a new technology stipend and expanded professional expense benefits.

A news release explains that the agreement was reached under the provincial government’s Shared Recovery Mandate.

A few priorities under the 2022 mandate include protecting services British Columbians depend on, improving health care, supporting economic recovery and negotiating fair and reasonable offers to public-sector workers.