98% Yes: Nurses stand united for respect, working conditions, and patient care

The results are in: 98% of members who cast a ballot in the NBA strike vote from May 8 to 11 said YES to authorize strike action, if necessary, in support of efforts to negotiate a contract that fights for better patient care, safer working conditions, and respect for the nursing profession.

"Our nurses have spoken, and their message is clear," HSA President Sarah Kooner said. "Nurses across BC are standing together, and they're not backing down until the issues that matter most are finally addressed at the table. This is a powerful mandate and the employer should take note." 

Following this strike vote result, your NBA bargaining committee will invite the employer back to the bargaining table as early as the afternoon of Tuesday, May 12.

After receiving this strong strike mandate, your bargaining committee expects a meaningful change in tone from the employer and a serious commitment to addressing the concerns nurses have raised throughout this round of bargaining.

Your bargaining committee will also be reminding the employer that Vancouver is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup this June and July, while nurses across the province continue to work under immense pressure. As the province invests millions into hosting a global event that will place even greater demands on the health care system, nurses expect serious action to address the deep challenges facing health care and improve conditions for both nurses and patients. With a strong strike mandate now in place, nurses are prepared to take action if those issues continue to be ignored.

HSA members like you should know that this strong strike vote result does not mean that job action will be starting. The strike mandate puts the NBA in a legal strike position for the next three months. This means the union can now take escalating job action, if necessary, with 72-hours notice. At this time, no strike action has been announced.

Your bargaining committee will continue pushing for the changes nurses have demanded and will keep members informed as negotiations continue.