B.C. nurses prepare for strike vote as negotiations reach impasse

Contract negotiations between the B.C. Nurses’ Union and the Health Employers Association have reached an impasse, raising the specter of a strike.

Contract negotiations between the BC Nurses’ Union and the Health Employers’ Association of B.C. broke down Monday night, with a strike vote expected in the coming weeks.

BCNU president, Adriane Gear, told CTV News benefits remain an outstanding issue and they’ll now be working to reach out to members with details ahead of the vote.

“It’s going to take us a couple of weeks to be able to communicate adequately with our members, make sure that they can make an informed decision,” she said. “Ultimately, we are recommending that we move towards a strike vote.”The BCNU represents 55,000 members in the province working in acute care facilities, care homes, and the community.

The HEABC, in a statement, said it respects the union’s right to walk away from the table.

“This can be a normal part of the collective bargaining process,” a spokesperson wrote.

“HEABC continues to be available to meet with the union at the bargaining table to address the issues that both parties believe are important. HEABC believes that negotiations are best kept to the bargaining table where the parties can work together on solutions that are mutually beneficial and support the government’s key priorities.”