The government of British Columbia has announced the appointment of a mediator to help resolve the ongoing dispute between nurses and health employers in the province. Premier David Eby emphasized the urgency of getting nurses back to work swiftly.
The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) recently escalated its job action by setting up picket lines at Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre. Following this move, the union declared that further job action is imminent.
In a statement, the BCNU highlighted the intensifying conflict between nurses and health employers, leading to an expansion of job actions to more hospitals and care centers in various regions. The union is increasing pressure on the provincial government to intervene and facilitate meaningful bargaining.
Job action began on July 2 when the BCNU initiated a phase of protest, citing a lack of substantial response from health employers since issuing a strike notice. The initial job action involved refraining from non-nursing duties and limiting overtime, with picket lines first appearing at Vancouver General Hospital.
The BCNU stated that unless circumstances change, picket lines will be established at additional healthcare facilities. The union reassured the public that essential services will be maintained to ensure the continuity of urgent and emergency care, prioritizing patient safety throughout this period of job action.