British Columbia Crown Counsel Association Agreement: What You Need to Know
The British Columbia Crown Counsel Association (BCCCA) Agreement was signed in 2007 between the British Columbia government and its Crown Counsel, who are responsible for prosecution work. The agreement is a collective bargaining agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for Crown Counsel in the province.
Under this agreement, Crown Counsel are classified based on their years of service and receive competitive salaries and benefits. The agreement also provides for an independent dispute resolution process and minimum standards of professional conduct.
One of the notable features of the BCCCA Agreement is the Joint Committee on Recruitment and Retention (JCRR), which was established to address issues related to the recruitment and retention of Crown Counsel. The committee is made up of representatives from the BCCCA and the government’s Public Service Agency, and its work includes examining compensation, workload, and career development opportunities.
The BCCCA Agreement also addresses the issue of workload, which is one of the primary concerns of Crown Counsel in British Columbia. The agreement establishes workload standards for Crown Counsel and provides for caseload reviews to ensure that they are not overburdened with cases.
Furthermore, the agreement recognizes the importance of professional development for Crown Counsel and provides for ongoing training and career development opportunities. This includes support for continuing legal education and opportunities for promotion and advancement within the Crown Counsel system.
In addition to the terms and conditions of employment, the BCCCA Agreement also covers issues such as grievance procedures, health and safety, and work-life balance. The agreement recognizes the importance of work-life balance and provides for flexible work arrangements, including telecommuting and compressed workweeks, to help Crown Counsel balance their work and personal lives.
Overall, the British Columbia Crown Counsel Association Agreement is a comprehensive agreement that provides for fair and competitive compensation and benefits, workload standards, and professional development opportunities for Crown Counsel in the province. The agreement recognizes the important work that Crown Counsel do in the criminal justice system and provides the necessary support for them to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.
