B.C. nurses issue 72-hour strike notice
BC nurses strike notice follows rejected deal and wage push amid staffing strain See why 67% voted no and what the dispute could mean for care across B.C.
British Columbia nurses have issued a 72hour strike notice after rejecting a tentative agreement reached between the Nurses’ Bargaining Association and health employers.
According to the union, 67% of nurses voted against the deal, even though 98.2% had previously voted in favour of job action in May. The agreement included some benefit and shift premium improvements, but nurses say they are still seeking a general wage increase.
BCNU president Adriane Gear said the dispute reflects broader concerns about staffing shortages, heavy workloads and unsafe working conditions across the province’s healthcare system. Union negotiator Jim Gould said many nurses feel they have no other option but to draw attention to the pressures they face in hospitals, longterm care and community settings.