Dozens of BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) members, their families and the public gathered out front of the University Hospital of Northern B.C. (UHNBC) in Prince George for a rally to end workplace intimidation.
According to the union, since job action began on July 2nd, over 4,000 reports of intimidation, coercion and interference from nurses across BC had been received, with over a quarter coming from nurses working in Northern Health.
BCNU President, Adriane Gear said at the end of the day, people have to work together.
“Our healthcare system is already under tremendous stress, and so to have your workforce feel this disrespected, how does that not have an impact on the overall delivery of care?” said Gear. “I think it’s extremely concerning.”
Gear would like for healthcare authorities to respect their lawful job action, and to “buck-up” and do the non-nursing duties.
For Interim Northeast Regional Council Member Raelene Stevenson, she hopes this opens up more lines of communication.
“We all need to get on the same page. It’s not just nurses that are short staffed, I know there’s a number of nursing unit clerks jobs that have gone by the wayside, we could use more of our healthcare aids and supportive workers.”
“Everyone needs to come together as a team.”
As for the Union’s next steps, the Nurses’ Bargaining Association is participating in mediation, returning to the table on Tuesday, and Gear said she remains hopeful for a fair outcome.
More information on the BC Nurses’ Union can be found here.
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