B.C. Government Appoints Mediators as Nurses Expand Picket Lines

The B.C. Nurses' Union is expanding job actions across British Columbia following a bargaining impasse with the Health Employers Association of B.C. After 67% of members rejected a tentative agreement in May that offered a 12 per cent pay increase over four years, the union began refusing non-nursing duties on July 2. Picket lines subsequently appeared at Vancouver General Hospital on July 7 and Surrey Memorial Hospital on July 9. The action expanded to Vancouver Island on July 12 with pickets at Victoria General Hospital, followed by scheduled actions at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital.

In response to the escalation, Premier David Eby and Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside appointed special mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers on July 10. The mediators have 10 days to facilitate a settlement or provide recommendations to the government. While patient care remains a protected essential service, the Island Health Authority warned that some non-urgent surgeries and appointments are being postponed.

Union President Adriane Gear stated that the escalation is driven by systemic issues including chronic understaffing—estimated at 4,500 to 6,000 vacancies—workplace violence and poor conditions. The union also filed an unfair labour practice application with the B.C. Labour Relations Board, alleging over 2,300 instances of intimidation against nurses exercising their legal rights. Premier Eby stated the government's goal is to ensure nurses are respected and can return to work fully to support patients.