A Show of Unity: Hundreds of Nurses Gather for Regional Bargaining Conferences This Week

Over 500 BCNU members employed by Fraser Health Authority, Providence Health Care, the Provincial Health Services Authority and affiliated health employers are gathering this week at two regional bargaining conferences organized by the union to set the stage for provincial contract negotiations scheduled to begin next year.

BCNU President Adriane Gear says nurses across BC are sending a message to health employers that it’s time to make health care better.

“Whether it’s constantly worrying about violence incidents or working chronically short-staffed, our members across the Lower Mainland have been delivering care under very difficult circumstances,” says Gear. “There is a lot of work that needs to happen when it comes to creating safer workplaces, addressing staffing shortages, and improving overall morale within the profession.”

The first of the two conferences starts today, where nurses working in health-care settings operated by Providence Healthcare, the Provincial Health Services Authority and affiliate employers are convening in Burnaby for a two-day conference. Nurses are bringing forward bargaining proposals and hearing from union leaders about the ongoing push for improvements to workload, occupational health and safety, and better working conditions overall.

The second conference of the week starts on Wednesday, where close to 400 nurses working in communities across the Fraser Health Authority will gather in Surrey to discuss regional challenges and lay out their priorities.
Gear says it’s time for health employers to understand that BC’s nurses are holding them accountable.

“This week’s events are a chance for nurses to proclaim that they are united and ready for action.”
To set up an interview, please contact BCNU Communications at media@bcnu.org. Click here for BCNU’s full regional bargaining conference schedule.