British Columbia nurses set July 2 strike deadline

The British Columbia Nurses’ Union filed a 72‑hour strike notice with the province’s Labour Relations Board, allowing nurses to begin legal job action at noon on July 2. More than 98% of the union’s 50,850 members voted in favour of taking action after a tentative collective agreement was rejected by 67% of members in May.

Union president Adriane Gear said the vote reflects deep frustrations over staffing shortages, workplace violence and low wages, and warned that job action could include bans on non‑nursing duties, overtime limits or other work stoppages, though essential services will be maintained. Health Minister Josie Osborne affirmed the government’s respect for collective bargaining rights and said critical health care will continue.

The dispute follows six months of negotiations and an impasse declared in April, with the union demanding better working conditions and compensation for nurses across the province.