November 21, 2005

Retired nurses are encouraged to attend November 28, when BCNU's pension lawsuit goes to court

Retired nurses and other BCNU members in the Lower Mainland are encouraged to attend BC Supreme Court on November 28, when BCNU's lawsuit against the Municipal Pension Plan will be heard.

BCNU launched the suit in 2003 on behalf of retired RNs after the pension plan reduced medical coverage and increased rates. That followed the Campbell Liberal government's move to increase MSP premiums by 50 per cent and to slash Pharmacare and paramedical coverage.

The government's cost-saving moves put immediate cost pressures on the pension plan and the ability to maintain the group benefits program.
The resulting impact to retired members' lives was considerable. Nurses poised to retire made important decisions based on the coverage they were promised at the time, and the erosion of benefits has caused financial hardship for many.

The hearing will take place in one of the court rooms at British Columbia Supreme Court, 800 Smithe Street in Vancouver. The hearing begins at 10 am. The exact courtroom will be posted in the main entrance each day of the hearing.