A tentative agreement reached with the Yukon Hospital Corp. addresses the significant workload issues that have been a major concern for the 250 staffers at the territory’s three hospitals.

That’s the word from Paul Johnstone, the vice-president of the Yukon Employees’ Union, which represents the workers.

In statement released Saturday morning, the union said after two days of conciliation, an agreement was reached.

Johnstone said the proposed contract contains language that would protect workers at the hospitals in Dawson City, Watson Lake and Whitehorse from burnout, allowing for better work/life balance for them.

“The membership was clear that workload was their key bargaining issue, and this team did a great job maintaining focus on what mattered most,” Johnstone said.

“They worked incredibly hard, and I was inspired by their solidarity.”

Along with praising the membership for taking a stand on the workload issue, Johnstone gave a “shout-out” to the hospital corporation for coming to the table prepared to work on the issues toward a deal.

Earlier this month, the employees gave their union what it described as a strong mandate to take job action if the union deemed it necessary. A standing agreement would have ensured the maintenance of essential services.

Matt Davidson, a hospital corporation spokesperson, told the Star today the corporation recognizes the hard work by both bargaining teams in moving toward an agreement recommended for ratification.

It will be March 4 before union members vote on the deal. As Johnstone said, it takes some time for the contract to be written up and the paperwork to be done before it can be presented and voted on by members.

The most recent collective agreement expired Aug. 31, 2017.

That deal saw staff receive a 4.75 per cent salary increase over three years along with a commitment for improved communication on pension matters and an agreement to protect the pension plan as a defined benefit plan.