Fired Unvaccinated Health Workers in BC to Keep Seniority and Benefits if Rehired, Says Union

A nurse monitors a patient from outside his room in the COVID-19 intensive care unit at St. Paul's hospital in downtown Vancouver on April 21, 2020. The Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward

A health employees union and an employer association for British Columbia’s health sector have reached an agreement on conditions for rehiring workers terminated for not being vaccinated against COVID-19, saying the workers will retain their seniority and other benefits if rehired.

The Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) confirmed reaching an agreement with the Facilities Bargaining Association (FBA), led by the Hospital Employees Union (HEU), to recognize previous seniority and service for FBA members terminated due to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.