The province is set to find out Tuesday morning whether nearly 55,000 B.C. nurses will begin job action.
Voting wrapped Monday night, and the results will become public at 10 a.m.
Last week, the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) told 1130 NewsRadio that withdrawing labour while the province faces a health-care crisis is the last thing nurses want, but it’s the provincial government that has put members in this position.
“We are willing to return to the table, providing the employer is going to come to the table with a willingness to negotiate benefits to guarantee that we will have access to the same money as other public sector unions, and a willingness to work towards agreeing on bargaining proposals that will improve the working conditions of nurses and improve patient care,” said BCNU President Adriane Gear.
Premier David Eby has said he’s confident his government will “find a path forward” with the union.
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Wages, benefits, and working conditions continue to be the main sticking points.
The province says it recently came to a contract agreement with the Doctors of BC.
In a statement, Doctors of BC President Dr. Adam Thompson said nurses are essential partners in delivering health care, and many are facing the same systemic challenges as all medical professionals.
“Doctors see firsthand the professionalism, expertise, and dedication that nurses bring to patient care every day. We deeply value our collaboration with nurses and remain committed to working together in support of patients and a stronger, more sustainable health-care system for British Columbians,” said Thompson.
BCNU isn’t the only collective that might be heading for job action. The union representing Emergency Communications Professionals, including 911 call takers, will begin voting on whether to strike Wednesday, saying its members are at a breaking point.
—With files from Charles Brockman