President's Message

GETTING READY FOR ACTION

Following eight frustrating months of contract negotiations, BC’s health employers have rejected the majority of the proposals nurses have brought to the bargaining table. The Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) provincial bargaining committee has now declared an impasse, stepped away from the table and authorized a strike vote, which was unanimously supported by the BCNU Council.

For the first time in a generation, BC’s nurses are preparing to take a strike vote, giving the union the legal authority to initiate a province-wide job action to secure a contract that respects us and recognizes the critical role we play in providing patients with the care they need.

This is a fight that will define the future of nursing in BC.

Let’s be clear about how we got here.

Your bargaining committee came to the table with solutions to address the crushing workloads that risk patient safety and proposals to tackle the ongoing workplace violence that continues to threaten nurses’ occupational health and safety. But instead of engaging meaningfully, the employer has refused to offer any substantive contract improvements or commit to the compensation and funding made available in other public sector contracts. Nurses are a critical part of the health-care system – why would we accept any less?

Even worse, they have strong-armed us into an unnecessary arbitration process to cut nurses’ benefits.

This is outrageous and unacceptable.

We are now at a turning point. A match has been struck, and the bargaining committee is asking members to demonstrate their power by voting YES in the strike vote.

A strong strike mandate shows the employer that nurses are united and prepared to act. It also gives the bargaining committee the leverage it needs to push for a fair collective agreement.

I know the prospect of job action can feel daunting. I want to reassure you that picketing is a last resort. Nurses have a range of job action tools available, and a strong strike vote is often the most effective way to avoid a strike altogether.

This is the moment to get ready. Take the time now to learn what job action could look like. Complete the modules on the BCNU Member Portal and make sure you understand the process and what’s at stake. Preparation is what turns uncertainty into confidence – and sends a clear message to the employer that we are ready.

To support you, BCNU is hosting townhalls throughout the strike vote period, with multiple sessions to fit your schedule. Attend one. Ask questions. Bring a co-worker.

Don’t forget to download the BCNU Connect app and stay up to date on bargaining developments. You’ll also find answers to FAQs and education resources. The app is now on the App Store for iPhone users and Google Play for Android users.

This is our time. We are the nurses of BC. We are 55,000 members strong, and we are rising together to make health care better.

Show up. Get informed. Vote YES, 97% or better!

In solidarity,