‘A United Voice’: Nurses Bring Front-line Experiences and Expectations to BCNU Bargaining Conference
BC nurses are establishing key bargaining priorities and calling on the government to ‘make health care better’
With the challenges facing BC’s health-care system in clear view, close to 500 BC Nurses’ Union members from communities across the province are in Vancouver this week to identify key priorities ahead of Nurses’ Bargaining Association provincial contract negotiations.
Over the last few months, BCNU has been hearing first-hand from members at a series of regionally focused conferences, where nurses brought forward bargaining proposals and explored solutions to critical issues such as nurse safety, workplace violence and the impact of staffing shortages on mental health.
This week’s provincial conference is the culmination of those efforts and will see union members establishing key bargaining priorities and preparing for contract talks. This includes electing nurse representatives to committees that will work directly with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC), in upcoming negotiations.
“From emergency room nurses in Prince Rupert to community nurses in Vancouver’s downtown east side, our members have a united voice and are laser-focused on addressing deteriorating working conditions,” says BCNU President Adriane Gear. “There’s 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.”
Nurses are also calling on the government to continue investing in established nurse-driven solutions, such as rural and remote staffing incentives, minimum nurse-to-patient ratios, and the use of trained relational security officers to manage violence incidents in health-care facilities.
Gear says while nurses are alive to the challenges facing BC’s economy, including tariffs and a pending trade war with the United States, nurses know that a strong health-care system is an important part of a strong economy.
“Nurses will continue to do their part to support British Columbians through these difficult times,” says Gear. “But there must be more done to manage the systemic challenges facing our system. Health care in this province is under extraordinary pressure, and it is patients, nurses and health-care workers who are paying the price.”
To set up an interview, please contact BCNU Communications at media@bcnu.org.