Nurses across British Columbia have begun targeted job action after negotiations between the provincial government and the British Columbia Nurses’ Union reached an impasse.
Starting July 2, nurses will stop performing non-nursing duties and will refuse non-essential overtime. The union says the measures are intended to refocus nurses on direct patient care while sending a message to government that urgent staffing and workplace concerns remain unresolved.
According to the union, the action follows the expiry of a 72-hour strike notice issued earlier this week and comes after the province did not return with what it considers a sufficient bargaining mandate.
The union also points to strong member support for job action, saying more than 50,000 nurses participated in a strike vote, with 98.2 per cent in favour. Members later rejected a tentative agreement by 67 per cent, signalling dissatisfaction with wage proposals and workplace safety measures included in the offer.
BCNU leadership says nurses remain committed to reaching an agreement and want to avoid further disruption to the health-care system. However, the union warns additional escalation could occur if negotiations do not resume with meaningful movement from government.
Both sides have expressed a willingness to return to talks, but no new bargaining dates have been confirmed at this time.
Comments