BHB and BPSU Reach Three Year Agreement

The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) and the Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) are pleased to announce that a three-year agreement has been reached on behalf of executive, administrative, professional, technical, supervisory and clerical staff at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute. A proviso to reopen the agreement in the second year to negotiate salaries only for the third year was included.

In additional to the three-year agreement, the new accord is designed to reward registered nurses with the granting of step increases. Increases will range from $1,100 for nurses who have worked at the bedside for over five years, up to $10,000 for nurses who have worked at the bedside for over ten years. The new accord ensures that compensation for registered staff nurses remains competitive with similar local professions and nursing salaries internationally.

Union Organizer, Golinda Fox said, “In view of the current consumer price index, we feel we have arrived at a reasonable settlement. We look forward to working with our partners in Bermuda’s only healthcare institution to provide efficient, effective and holistic delivery of services that meet the needs of the public.”

R. Scott Pearman, Director of Human Resources stated, “We are pleased to have reached an amicable agreement with BPSU. This agreement ensures the primary needs of our employees are met and that the public can continue to have confidence in hospital services. BPSU and BHB worked diligently to make sure key issues facing our employees were addressed during negotiations.”

Venetta Symonds, Acting CEO for BHB said, “BPSU members play a vital role in the delivery of health care services to our clients. Making sure the needs of our staff are met translates to quality patient care. This agreement furthers our commitment to staff, patients and the community.”

The negotiation process generated several new employee benefits that were not included in the actual agreement, such as the initiation of clinical ladder programs, rewards for higher standards in professional practice, a hospital-wide tuition reimbursement program for employees who complete college courses, a nurse certification bonus program and a bonus program for employee referrals.

Archives