BC Nurses' Union begins 'targeted' job action as negotiations stall
The BC Nurses' Union has announced that the province "failed to meaningfully respond to nurses' concerns or improve its bargaining mandate" following a strike notice.
As a result, employees will now begin "targeted" job action, starting with a ban on non-nursing duties and non-essential overtime.
"This is not the outcome nurses wanted," BCNU President Adriane Gear said. "Throughout this process, nurses have been clear about what is needed to strengthen the profession and stabilize our health-care system. We have remained ready to bargain in good faith, but the government has not responded with the urgency this moment demands."
The union made it clear that "nurses do not want to disrupt patient care," and that "every action we take is guided by our commitment to the people and communities we serve."
"Today's job action prioritizes patient care while sending a clear message to government that it can no longer ignore the pressures facing the profession or the critical role nurses play in sustaining British Columbia's health-care system," Gear added.
Jarryd Jäger
Support for job action among members is the highest it's ever been. During a province-wide vote between May 8 and 11, 98.2% sided in favour. A tentative agreement was reached between the Nurses’ Bargaining Association and health employers on May 22, but it was rejected by 67% of members.
That agreement set out a plan for improved benefits and shift premiums, nurses argued it "did not go far enough – particularly when it comes to securing a general wage increase that recognizes the vital role nurses play in sustaining a health care system that is operating beyond its limits."
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