The BCNU, representing approximately 55,000 nurses in the province, held a vote on May 12, 2026, with 98.2% of union members in favor of strike action. The last agreement between the union and the province expired in March 2025, and the BCNU president, Adriane Gear, described the situation as an employer who has refused to offer any substantive contract improvements or commitments.
VANCOUVER — The British Columbia Nurses Union has voted 98.2 per cent in favour of strike action . More than 50,000 of the approximately 55,000 union members voted after talks reached an impasse in April over issues including benefits, pay and staffing shortages .
BCNU president Adriane Gear said Tuesday as she announced the strike vote that the union had been met by an"employer who has refused to offer any substantive contract improvements or commit to the compensation and funding made available in other public sector contracts.
" "Nurses are a critical part of the health care system,"she said. "Why should we accept less? " Gear said their"next move is to get back to the table. " The last agreement between the union and the province expired in March 2025.
The vote doesn't"mean nurses are going on strike tomorrow," but Gear said it demonstrates that they are united more than ever and prepared to do what it takes to get a fair contract. Gear said they are"ready to fight" for an agreement that values and respects them and strengthens public health care. The union has said there's an increasing burden on its nurses, with about 4,500 vacant positions that can't be filled.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2026. Marissa Birnie, The Canadian Press
Please follow us on Google to support us Labor Relations British Columbia Nurses Union Strike Action Negotiations Benefits Pay Staffing Shortages Last Agreement Expired President Adriane Gear Next Move Get Back To The Table Nurses Critical Part Health Care System Valuable Respect Strengthens Burden On Nurses Increasing Vacant Positions Can't Be Filled Agreement That Values
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bandits advance to BCHL final with 4-1 win over Bucks in CranbrookThe Brooks Bandits are going back to the finals of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) after knocking out the Cranbrook Bucks 4-1 to win the Interior Conference Final.
Read more »
Four Canadians linked to hantavirus outbreak arrive in B.C.Four Canadian passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, linked to a hantavirus outbreak, will arrive in British Columbia on Sunday and enter a monitored isolation period.
Read more »
British pop star Dua Lipa files lawsuit against Samsung for unauthorized use of her imagePop star Dua Lipa has sued Samsung Electronics for at least $15 million, accusing the South Korean tech giant of using her image without permission to promote its television sets.
Read more »
B.C. Mounties cancel Amber Alert for twin siblingsMounties in northwestern British Columbia have cancelled a provincewide Amber Alert for two children.
Read more »