Vancouver-area Nurses Lay Groundwork for Next Round of Collective Bargaining

BCNU members working for Vancouver Coastal Health, the Provincial Health Services Authority and affiliate health employers are gathering this week at a regional bargaining conference to prepare for Nurses’ Bargaining Association provincial contract negotiations. The current contract expires March 31, 2025.

The event is one of several conferences the union is organizing around the province aimed at building the collective voice of its members and establishing member priorities ahead of this next round of collective bargaining expected to begin this year.

BCNU President Adriane Gear recognizes the gains achieved in the last round of bargaining, including wage increases, new premiums and contract language that advances the principles of diversity, equity and inclusivity and strategies to advance cultural safety and address Indigenous-specific racism in the health-care system.

However, she says much more work remains, emphasizing that nurses across the province are sending a clear message to health employers: the time to strengthen and improve the health-care system is now.

“From dealing with incidents of workplace violence to managing relentless staffing shortages, nurses in the Vancouver area and coastal regions have been providing care under incredibly challenging conditions,” says Gear. “There is an urgent need to improve workplace safety and address ongoing staffing issues within nursing.”

Gear stresses that health employers need to recognize the resolve of BC’s nurses. “This conference is an opportunity for our members to show their unity and determination to push for the changes they deserve.”

Close to 300 nurses employed by Vancouver Coastal Health and representing the union’s Central Vancouver, Coastal Mountain, and Richmond Vancouver regions will take part in a lunch-hour rally on Wednesday to highlight their calls for change.

To set up an interview, please contact BCNU Communications at media@bcnu.org. Click here for BCNU’s full regional bargaining conference schedule.