B.C. Nurses Union says bargaining at an impasse, strike vote likely

The B.C. Nurses’ Union says bargaining is at an impasse after “limited movement at the table.”

The union now says a strike vote is likely, according to a post on the union’s Facebook on April 21.

In a bargaining update email obtained by Black Press Media, the B.C. Nurses Union said that after a call Monday night (April 20) the union’s council unanimously voted to endorse the bargaining committee’s to declare an impasse, step away from the bargaining table and authorize a strike vote.”

The union is now urging members to vote “yes” in a strike vote to show their support. A “yes” vote doesn’t mean an immediate strike.

The impasse follows a recent ruling from arbitrator Vince Ready regarding massage therapy benefits.

“This is a step backwards,” the email reads. “These benefits are not luxuries. They are essential.”

The email says that Ready’s decision threatens the benefits that members rely on. His ruling directs that massage therapy coverage for plan members and their dependents be capped a $1,427 in 2027 and $1,145 in 2028. Subsequent limits to the massage therapy reimbursements would be determined based upon actuarial calculations.

The email also says the cap will also likely continue to decrease over time.

The union added that there would be no immediate changes before a new plan model is implemented Jan. 1, 2027.

Health Minister Josie Osborne said these are conversations that have to happen at the bargaining table, and it’s her expectation that the parties are going to continue to work together.

Asked what will happen if there is job action, Osborne said, “Health-care services like these, of course, they are essential services, and there will be provisions in place that service levels are maintained.”