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November 1, 2001
Pay nurses increases or face interest charges says Labour Relations Board (decision issued October 31st sets out time lines for 2001 pay increases and retro-activity)
In the wake of the government’s legislation and imposed language, BCNU went to the Labour Relations Board to clarify exactly when nurses would receive retroactive payments as well as pay increases. Hundreds of nurses throughout the province have yet to receive monies won through months of difficult bargaining and job action. BCNU hoped to get an order that would cause the government to immediately provide health authorities with all funds necessary to cover these costs.
The Board issued a decision that sets out the following time lines for payment:
April 1 and July 1, 2001 wage and premium increases: Nurses should have received the new rates "no later than the first pay period after August 24, 2001. Employers who cannot justify their failure to implement by that date for reasons other than a lack of funding were in breach of their collective agreement(s)."
October 1, 2001 wage increase: this increase "should have been implemented on its effective date." The decision stated that "Employers who did not implement the new rates by the above dates are liable for interest. We acknowledge the situation faced by the employers. However, their employees should not bear the cost of the Government’s delay."
Retroactive pay for the April 1 and July 1, 2001 increases: the Board ruled that "90 days from August 9 is a reasonable period for making retroactive payments." This means the deadline for providing the retroactive payments is November 7, 2001. Employers who do not make payment by that date will be liable for interest.
The Board directed HEABC to immediately advise its member employers of the decision.
The Labour Relations Board also decided that they did not have the legal jurisdiction to issue an order against the government.
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