The British Columbia Nurses' Union has announced that its members voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action, with 98.2 per cent supporting the measure. The vote comes after six months of bargaining with the province failed to produce a new contract.
Union Leadership Responds
Union president Adriane Gear stated at a news conference in downtown Vancouver that nurses did not choose this path lightly. She emphasized that health employers forced the vote. Gear noted that while the strike vote allows for job action with 72 hours' notice, no such action is imminent.
Key Issues in Negotiations
The primary sticking points in negotiations include pay and benefits. The union reports that other public-sector unions have secured an additional two per cent over two years, but nurses have only been offered 0.4 per cent. Additionally, benefits have seen no increases for years, despite rising workloads and escalating workplace violence.
The nurses' contract expired in March 2025, with talks beginning last October. About 50,800 nurses participated in the vote, representing the vast majority of the union's 55,000 members working in B.C. health authorities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other settings. Approximately 2,000 members were ineligible to vote.
Essential Services Designation
Nurses are considered an essential service, meaning any future job action would be limited. Gear indicated the union is willing to return to the bargaining table, and employers have also expressed willingness. If talks fail, the union will assess its options and consider escalating job action.
Further details are expected as negotiations continue.
