NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010FIN0057-001299 Oct. 20, 2010

Ministry of Finance Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

 

OIL AND GAS COMMISSION RATIFIES AGREEMENT WITH PEA

 

VICTORIA – A two-year agreement under the Province’s 2010 mandate has been ratified between the BC Oil and Gas Commission and the Professional Employees Association announced Finance Minister Colin Hansen.

 

“I want to thank negotiators for their commitment in reaching a deal, and I’d like to acknowledge their co-operation and respect for this process,” said Hansen. “With just over half of public sector employees now covered by negotiated agreements that would have expired in 2010, this ratified agreement represents steady progress and commitment from both sides of the negotiating table.”

 

Over 1,200 PEA members work for the provincial government in numerous ministries, agencies and crown corporations across British Columbia. Government Licensed Professionals at the Oil and Gas Commission include engineers and geologists.

 

“This agreement is great news for all concerned, and especially for B.C.’s natural gas and petroleum sector – our biggest resource revenue earner,” said Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Bill Bennett. “The BC Oil and Gas Commission plays a key role in the sector’s success, working with industry and engaging landowners to ensure safe and responsible natural gas and petroleum activities in B.C.”

 

Government has already announced its intention to control spending on wages during this round of bargaining. To protect jobs and preserve vital services British Columbians depend on, government does not have any funding for new wage increases as collective agreements are renewed.

 

There are approximately 306,000 unionized workers in occupations throughout B.C.’s public sector, the great majority of which have agreements that expire between March 31, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2010. Just over half of B.C.’s public sector employees have now renegotiated agreements that were set to expire in 2010, including major agreements in the health sector and the public service.

 

Updated bargaining information is available at: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/psec/bargaining2010/

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Media Contact:

Sarah Harrison Communications Director Ministry of Finance 250 356-2821

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