British Columbia nurses established picket lines at Vancouver General Hospital on Tuesday morning, marking the first such action in the province since 1989.
The job action began after two-thirds of the BC Nurses' Union membership voted to reject a tentative agreement with the B.C. Health Employers Association. The proposed deal included a 12-percent wage increase over four years and improved staffing ratios.
Union President Adrienne Gear described the day as historic yet solemn, stating nurses would rather be at the bedside. She accused employers of threatening discipline and pressuring nurses to work beyond their roles, claims the Hospital Employers Association denies.
Political analysts note the provincial government faces a fiscal constraint. Providing a significantly improved deal for nurses could set a precedent for other public sector unions.
The union has announced plans to expand picket lines to Surrey Memorial Hospital. Contract negotiations have resumed between the two sides.