Provincial Bargaining Conference Postponed

• Information-gathering: through a variety of channels including feedback from members via the bargaining@bcnu.org email address, a membership-wide bargaining survey, regional bargaining strategy conferences across the province, the provincial bargaining conference and essential service preparation.
• Analysis and preparation: identifying priorities and drafting proposals.
• Negotiations: meetings with Employer representatives to discuss proposals and negotiate the contract language.

Based on the current pressures on the health-care system and yet-to-be announced fiscal priorities by the provincial government, a bargaining timeline has not yet been determined between the Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) and the Employer.

Member delegates from around the province gather to hear from the union’s lead negotiator on strategy and direction moving forward. Delegates elect members to the NBA Bargaining Committee and the Provincial Job Action Committee.

The current collective agreement remains in effect until a new contract is signed. Members are not left “working without a contract."

In addition to the bargaining survey completed in 2021, all of the emails submitted by members, as well as notes gathered during regional bargaining conferences continue to be collected and reviewed to be discussed further at the provincial bargaining conference.

BCNU Council determined that the risks associated with removing hundreds of nurses from units around the province to attend a multi-day event is not in the best interests or safety and wellbeing of our members.

BCNU Council made the decision to postpone the provincial bargaining conference. Together, the 25-member board forms BCNU's top governing body and it is responsible for developing strategy, setting policy, developing the budget and reporting to members during the annual Convention. The board is elected on behalf of members to make decisions that are in the best interests of the membership. 

BCNU Council determined that this decision was necessary based on the risks associated with removing hundreds of nurses from units around the province to attend a multi-day event is not in the best interests or safety and wellbeing of our members.  BCNU Council came to this decision after considerable discussion and understanding that postponing the provincial bargaining conference would not impact BCNU’s bargaining process and position.

The provincial bargaining conference will take place October 3 to 5, 2022 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Bargaining preparations continue uninterrupted and the new Interim CEO is currently fully engaged in the following:

• Essential service preparations, regional bargaining conferences.
• Ongoing engagement and negotiations with the employers and Ministry of Health.
• Strategic planning, research and data gathering related to bargaining.

BCNU is currently exploring opportunities to host membership-wide townhall event(s). Members of the PEC and the interim CEO are planning to attend upcoming regional meetings scheduled throughout the spring. Members will also continue to have access to the bargaining@bcnu.org email address where they can share suggestions and ideas.