Job Action Committees

Provincial Job Action Committee (PJAC)

The Provincial Job Action Committee (PJAC) plays a critical role in developing, implementing, and coordinating province-wide job action strategies. Elected by the provincial bargaining conference delegates, PJAC consists of five member representatives - three representing acute care, community care, and long-term care, and two members -at-large along with the BCNU treasurer and two executive councillors. 

PJAC works closely with the Bargaining Committee and reports directly to the BCNU Council, ensuring that job action strategies align with bargaining priorities. The committee ensures BCNU is prepared to act when negotiations stall and job action becomes necessary to support bargaining efforts. Job action serves as a vital tool to pressure employers while maintaining solidarity among nurses and minimizing disruptions to patient care.

Efficiency and fluid communication at all levels of the committee structure are essential. Member involvement plays a critical role - local plans, participation in activities, and public engagement demonstrate the collective strength of nurses and their commitment to meaningful improvements.

Responsibilities of the PJAC:

• Directs job action under an overall plan approved by Council
• Develops and coordinates province-wide strategies to align with bargaining efforts
• Assists with essential service challenges in collaboration with regional essential service representatives (RESRs)
• Supports and coordinates with RJACs to ensure regional implementation of job action strategies
• Oversees finances from the defense fund and compensates for job action preparation time.
• Communicates job action plans to Council, regional committees, and members.
• PJAC members must be available for extended hours, including evenings and weekends, and may need to stay in Vancouver during critical phases of job action.

Job Action to Support Bargaining

Job action strategies are designed to escalate strategically, applying increasing pressure on the employer while keeping public support intact. Examples include:

• Partial Withdrawal of Services / Work to Rule: Members perform only tasks within their job descriptions (e.g., stopping clerical or portering tasks) and may also enforce overtime bans.
• Intermittent Withdrawal of Services / Rotating Job Action: Services are withdrawn on a rotating schedule, making it difficult for the employer to respond effectively.
• Targeted Job Action: Key services, such as operating rooms or province-wide home care, are withdrawn while essential services are maintained.
• Escalating Job Action: Job action begins at a single facility and gradually expands to include more worksites, building pressure on the employer.
• Complete Withdrawal of Services (Strike): Full strikes, including picket lines, are implemented alongside essential service plans. PJAC directs decisions to initiate or end strikes.
• Employer Lockout: Initiated by the employer, a lockout prevents members from working or receiving pay. Even during a lockout, essential services must be maintained to keep public support.

Regional Job Action Committee (RJAC)

The Regional Job Action Committee (RJAC) ensures that job action activities are effectively coordinated throughout their assigned regions. Acting as the operational link between PJAC and the worksites, RJACs play a key role in smooth communication across the job action structure.

Responsibilities of the RJAC:

• Implements regional job action strategies as directed by PJAC
• Provides feedback to PJAC on the challenges and effectiveness of job action activities
• Acts as a communication link and support to Worksite Job Action Committees (WJACs)
• Authorizes finances for regional strike headquarters
• Manages supplies and equipment required by local committees and strike operations

Worksite Job Action Committee (WJAC)

The Worksite Job Action Committee (WJAC) ensures that job action strategies are executed effectively at the local level. Established by worksite essential service representatives (WESRs), these committees may include both stewards and non-stewards, focusing on direct implementation and member engagement.

Responsibilities of the WJAC:

• Carries out the job action plan at the local level, supporting negotiations and strategies as directed by RJACs and PJAC.
• Assumes responsibility for all local job action activities and makes decisions relevant to the worksite.
• Maintains regular contact with members and organizes worksite meetings as needed to keep everyone informed.
• Organizes member support to maintain solidarity and ensure the success of job action efforts.
• Evaluates sub-committees to ensure they are adequately staffed and operating effectively.
• Establishes a headquarters for local operations and provides contact information to members, RJACs, and the provincial office.
• Manages logistics for local job action activities, including picket numbers, shift lengths, and hours of picket duty per member.
• Organizes strike activities and ensures smooth local operations throughout the job action process.

WJACs play a vital role in coordinating strike activities at the worksite level, ensuring that efforts align with regional and provincial strategies. Their work ensures that local operations contribute to the overall strength and success of bargaining.