B.C. nurses expanded their picket lines to Surrey Memorial Hospital and a nearby surgery centre on Thursday, escalating job action as contract negotiations remain stalled. The B.C. Nurses' Union (BCNU) said the move targets two key healthcare facilities in the Fraser Health region, affecting patient services and surgical procedures.
Picket lines target major facilities
Union members began picketing outside Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre early Thursday morning. The expansion follows earlier pickets at Vancouver General Hospital and other sites this week. BCNU President Aman Grewal said the action is necessary to pressure the employer for a fair contract.
“We are escalating because the employer has not moved on key issues like staffing levels and wages,” Grewal said in a statement. “Our members are exhausted and overworked, and patient care is suffering.”
Impact on patient care
Fraser Health Authority said the pickets could cause delays for non-urgent surgeries and outpatient appointments. Emergency services remain operational, but patients are advised to check for cancellations. The health authority reported that approximately 30% of scheduled surgeries at the affected sites have been postponed.
“We are working to minimize disruptions, but the union’s actions are affecting access to care,” said Fraser Health spokesperson Sarah Jones. “We urge the union to return to negotiations.”
Background of the dispute
The BCNU has been in contract talks with the Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC) since April, seeking improvements in staffing ratios, wages, and benefits. The union says chronic understaffing has led to burnout and safety risks. The employer has offered a 5% wage increase over two years, which the union rejected as insufficient.
“Our nurses deserve better than this,” Grewal said. “We are fighting for safe patient care and respect for our profession.”
The job action comes as hospitals across the province face high occupancy rates and staffing shortages. The BCNU represents approximately 45,000 registered nurses, psychiatric nurses, and allied health workers in B.C.
Next steps
The union has not ruled out further escalation, including rotating strikes at additional sites. Mediation sessions are scheduled for next week, but both sides remain far apart. HEABC CEO Michael Marchbank said the employer remains committed to reaching a deal but warned that prolonged job action could harm patients.
“We understand the union’s frustrations, but we must balance the needs of patients and taxpayers,” Marchbank said. “We call on the union to suspend pickets and negotiate in good faith.”
