BC Nurses’ Union rallies in Prince George as contract mediation pauses

With bargaining temporarily on hold, union leaders chose Prince George as the site of Friday’s rally, saying Northern Health nurses are facing a disproportionate share of reported workplace concerns related to the ongoing job action.

According to the BCNU, nearly 4,500 reports of intimidation, coercion and interference have been submitted by nurses across British Columbia since job action began on July 2. The union alleges nearly one-quarter of those reports have come from nurses working within Northern Health facilities.

“The number of reports coming from Northern Health is deeply concerning and points to a serious problem that must be addressed,” Gear said. “No nurse should be threatened, intimidated or retaliated against for exercising their legal right to participate in job action.”

The union says respect for nurses must exist not only at the bargaining table but also in the workplace while negotiations continue.

BCNU interim northeast Regional Council Member Raelene Stevenson told supporters the issues being raised extend beyond the current round of contract talks. She said many nurses are increasingly concerned about staffing shortages and the continued dependence on overtime to maintain health-care services.

“Our members are standing up for safe, sustainable workplaces because they know the current system isn’t working,” Stevenson said. “Since job action began, health authorities have continued relying on overtime to keep the system running instead of addressing the staffing crisis.”

She added that nurses cannot continue supporting a system that relies heavily on overtime and staff goodwill to meet patient care demands.

The rally drew attention to broader concerns about recruitment and retention in northern communities, where health-care providers have long struggled to fill vacant positions. Union representatives argued that improving working conditions and addressing workplace culture issues are essential steps toward solving those challenges.

Despite the concerns raised in Prince George, BCNU leaders emphasized they remain committed to reaching a negotiated settlement through mediation rather than escalating the dispute.

“Nurses don’t want to be on picket lines or at rallies,” Gear said. “They want to be caring for patients.”

The union says it is hopeful progress made during the first four days of mediation can continue when discussions resume next week.

Until then, BCNU leaders say they will continue advocating for members across the province while drawing attention to concerns raised by nurses in Northern Health communities.

The rally concluded with calls for greater respect and support for frontline nurses as contract negotiations enter their next phase. Both sides are expected to return to mediation on Tuesday.

by Cheryl Jahn

BC Nurses’ Union rallies in Prince George as contract mediation pauses

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