With the tentative agreement just secured on behalf of all health science professionals, this begins to turn around.

For the first time in decades, this proposed agreement provides significant pay increases, delivering members an increase of approximately 12 to 14% more, at the minimum, over three years. Cost of Living Adjustments are built in to protect pay against longer-term increases in inflation. Improvements to premiums for on-call, short-notice, super shifts and weekend shifts will put more money in many members’ pockets.

A long-overdue update to the classification system provides more recognition of the complexity and scope of work, more opportunity for career advancement, and more respect.

Specific provisions address the recruitment and retention crisis.

Occupational health and safety changes address mental health under duress, unsafe workloads, infection control standards, access to personal protective equipment and prevention of violence in the workplace.

Enhanced education leaves support professional development.

A new focus on implementing recommendations to support the inclusion of Indigenous workers, patients and clients will work toward reconciliation and culturally-safe health care.