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The BC Nurses Union (BCNU) servicing staff, represented by Unifor, have signalled that they are ready to strike if the employer continues to use bully tactics to get a deal. After 100 per cent of the staff approved the strike mandate on Thursday, Unifor has served notice to the BC Labour Relations Board and a strike could start on August 2 at 8 a.m.
“The managers at BCNU have left us little choice but to withdraw our labour until we can make some progress in negotiations,” said Mario Santos, Unifor National Representative.
Unifor represents lawyers, health and safety advocates, WCB advocates, educators, and labour relations officers at the BCNU.
Bargaining between the BCNU and Unifor staff has been underway since early 2016. BCNU leaders locked out staff on July 22 and have since used aggressive and anti-union tactics to provoke a strike. In the latest development, the BCNU has insisted that they will seek “essential service” designation for their servicing staff.
“Despite the unusual and melodramatic methods of this employer, we remain committed to bargaining in good faith to get to a fair deal,” said Santos. “Legal tricks and bluster won’t change our approach.”
Administrative staff at the BCNU went on strike beginning July 22.
