B.C. nurses say job action will expand to more locations across province

Nurses in British Columbia are escalating their job action, announcing plans to expand picket lines to additional hospitals and care centers across the province starting this weekend. This move follows a breakdown in contract negotiations and a renewed declaration of impasse at the bargaining table, according to the B.C. Nurses' Union.

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We have reached a critical point in this dispute. Nurses have bargained in good faith, and we’ve taken measured job action while maintaining essential services to protect patient safety. The provincial government can end this dispute. It can provide health employers with a mandate that retains nurses, strengthens public health care and prevents further disruption. We are calling on government to act.

The union stated that picket lines were established Thursday at Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre. B.C. Nurses' Union president Adriane Gear emphasized the critical juncture of the dispute, urging the provincial government to provide health employers with a mandate that retains nurses and strengthens public healthcare. Gear also reported allegations of intimidation, coercion, and threats against nurses who refuse non-nursing duties, including warnings of disciplinary action and complaints to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives.

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Progress was made at the bargaining table on some important issues, but substantial gaps that exceed the government envelope remain. As a result, the parties were unable to reach a new tentative agreement.

In response, the union has filed an unfair labor practice application with the BC Labour Relations Board, citing employer interference with lawful job action. The Hospital Employers Association, however, maintains that patient care is paramount and denies the accusations. A statement from the HEA indicated that while progress was made on some issues, significant gaps remain that exceed the government's financial mandate, preventing a tentative agreement. The HEA expressed commitment to a negotiated settlement and remains available to resume bargaining.

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The NBA has advised HEABC that it considers the parties to be at an impasse and has indicated an escalation of job action. HEABC remains available to return to the bargaining table at any time and continues to believe the best path forward is through the established bargaining process.