BCNU Members Must Follow Communications Issued by Employers Due to Provincial Wildfire Crisis

Members are being advised to follow all protocols issued by employers as hospitals and long-term care facilities continue to be impacted by the devastating wildfires that are overwhelming BC's interior.

The majority of our members working for the interior and northern health authorities have been seriously impacted, with working conditions being precarious and at times volatile. Interior Health has issued a document answering a series of legitimate concerns raised by staff related to expectations to do with staffing, compensation, travel, pre-booked vacations, etcetera. BCNU members working for Interior Health and Northern Health are strongly encouraged to keep a personal record of hours worked.

Mandatory overtime may be required in many areas to support the evacuation efforts, particularly at the University Hospital of Northern B.C. in Prince George and to G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital in Quesnel. Interior Health has confirmed that all members called upon to assist will be compensated as per the language of the collective agreement. For example, if re-assigned to another worksite, travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed.

As members work tirelessly to assess and care for those most vulnerable in these extremely dangerous circumstances, be reminded that as nurses and members of BCNU, you do have the right to refuse unsafe work.

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone ordered a state of emergency for the province of B.C. on July 7, in response to the fast-moving fires that have forced the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents. While safe patient care remains a critical priority, so too is the safety of all health care staff.