B.C. nurses reject tentative deal with health employers

B.C. nurses have voted down a tentative agreement reached with the province’s health employers, pushing contract talks back into uncertainty. The BC Nurses’ Union said 67% of participating nurses rejected the deal, which had been reached on May 22 between the Nurses’ Bargaining Association and B.C. health employers. Union president Adriane Gear said the result reflected broader frustration over working conditions, including staffing shortages, heavy workloads, crowded emergency departments and pressure across the healthcare system. The union said nurses are seeking stronger recognition of the demands they face on the job. The rejected agreement had included some gains, but the union said many members felt it did not go far enough. No strike action has been announced, and the bargaining committee plans to consult members before deciding next steps.