Premier David Eby says he is confident a deal will be reached as the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) prepares to vote on taking strike action.
Last week, the union announced it had reached an impasse with its employer, the provincially managed Health Employers’ Association of BC, and members would vote on whether to strike.
This week, representatives confirmed voting would take place from May 8 through May 11.
Union President Adriane Gear says the bargaining team is asking for greater equity and working to improve employee benefits.
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She told 1130 NewsRadio that the last thing the 50,000 members want is a strike, but says job action would send a strong message.
Gear has since encouraged union members to “vote YES,” noting that it would not result in an immediate strike.
“Nurses are the ones that are holding together this system, and frankly, we’ve been carrying that burden for far too long, and it is time for us to stand up for ourselves. And so for us, that is what a strike vote really represents.”
When asked about the possibility of a strike on Wednesday, Eby said every British Columbian knows how important nurses are.
“There’s very few of us who haven’t had an experience in the health-care system that wasn’t made better by a compassionate nurse showing up at just the right moment. And we also know that nurses are highly, highly stressed in their jobs, whether it’s because of long work hours or safety-related issues or other challenges that they face,” said Eby.
“We will find a path forward with the nurses.”
The premier says he’s confident that the parties will reach a deal “at the bargaining table,” and did not mention job action.
“We will ensure that it is a respectful agreement that reflects the hard work that nurses do, and respectful of the financial position of the province and our ability to pay for those critical public services like health care.”
Eby says he looks forward to a resolution “as soon as possible.”
Nurses are considered an essential service, mandated by the Labour Relations Board, so any job action — if approved — would be limited.