British Columbia nurses reach tentative deal, averting job action

D.C. Nurses' Union and the Health Employers Association reached a tentative collective agreement on Friday. The union's previous contract expired in March 2025. 2 percent in favor of granting leadership a strike mandate while talks remained stalled.

Health stated the deal includes additional funding to support service delivery and improve working conditions. The ministry said the agreement follows the Balanced Measures Mandate, the provincial framework for public-sector negotiations. The union reported improvements in benefits coverage, workplace safety, and violence prevention.

It also secured access to enhanced mandate monies above the province's general wage increase of 12 percent over four years. The union further negotiated significant additional funding for implementing minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. British Columbia became the first province to commit to such ratios in 2024.

Next steps A ratification vote is scheduled for June 15-19.

Full terms of the agreement will be released after the vote.