B.C. health system braces after nurses vote overwhelmingly for strike action

May 12, 2026 | 5:13 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A historic and powerful development Tuesday in British Columbia’s healthcare crisis as the BC Nurses Union (BCNU) announced Monday morning that an overwhelming 98.2% of its members voted in favour of strike action. This comes after six months of intense bargaining over wages, understaffing, and workplace safety, ended in a stalemate. According to the nurses union, over the six months, many solutions were brought forth to the Health Employers Association (HEA) of BC, with most being dismissed.

“This vote does not mean nurses are going on strike tomorrow. What it does mean is that nurses across British Columbia are united more than ever before and we are prepared to do what it takes to secure a fair contract. We want a contract that respects us, acknowledges the work we do, protects our health and safety, protects the patients of BC and recognizes the essential role we play in holding this health care system together.” said BCNU President Adriane Gear.

Two major bargaining points for the union has been safety and understaffing. According to current statistics, nurse injury rates have gone up 25% since 2019 and this can partially be attributed to understaffing problems as the current crisis is not seeing the one nurse to four patients ratio being met. This means nurses are dealing with far too much, while compromising personal wellbeing.

“Here in the north, Northern Health and the government are already not meeting their agreed to ratios because we’re already understaffed in nursing. This is a scary time and we need to actually get back to the bargaining table. Let’s get a deal done with the nurses let’s support them. Let’s create a better workplace for nurses who give so much to patients across northern BC .” said Prince George-Mackenzie Conservative MLA Kiel Giddens.

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For now, it would appear that the ball is in the court of the HEA, though both sides have indicated they are ready to resume discussions.

“We are willing to go back to the table and we have signaled that to the employer. They have also signaled that they’re willing to come back to the table so this is the last chance. If that doesn’t work out then we will, consider our options in terms of escalating job action.” added Gear.

In response to Tuesday morning’s developments, a statement from B.C. Minister of Health Josie Osborne states “The best agreements are found at the bargaining table as we have recently seen with reaching a tentative agreement with Doctors of BC, and ratified agreements with Health Sciences Association and the Hospital Employees Union. I hope that the parties will return to the table to resume negotiations. In the event of any job action, essential services plans are in place to help ensure the continued delivery of services and essential care for people.”

by Nick Dube

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B.C. health system braces after nurses vote overwhelmingly for strike action

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