Manitoba Nurses Consider 'Grey Listing' Health Sciences Centre Over Safety Fears

Manitoba nurses are set to vote this week on whether to declare the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) a dangerous workplace, potentially discouraging nurses from working there until safety conditions improve. This move, known as "grey listing," is a significant step by the Manitoba Nurses Union (MNU) to address ongoing safety concerns at Manitoba's largest hospital.

Nurses Voting on Safety Concerns

The MNU president, Darlene Jackson, emphasized that the decision to grey list HSC is not taken lightly. It comes after repeated failures by the employer to mitigate risks for staff, despite grievances and arbitration. The union has been in discussions about this possibility since 2020, but recent incidents, including two sexual assaults on nurses in July, have accelerated the call for action.

What Grey Listing Means

If the vote passes, the MNU will advise nurses against applying for jobs at HSC until the employer meets specific safety recommendations. These include:

• Mandating swipe cards for tunnel access
• Staffing secure entrances
• Implementing an early warning system for security incidents

Employer's Response

Shared Health, the provincial health organization, has stated it is working with the union to address these concerns. They are actively enhancing security measures to ensure the safety of staff, patients, and the public. However, the union feels that previous efforts have been insufficient, leading to this drastic measure.

Impact on Patient Care

It's important to note that a grey listing would not affect current patient care. Nurses already employed at HSC will continue their shifts as scheduled. The union's goal is to pressure the employer into making necessary changes to ensure a safer work environment.

Historical Context

This would be only the sixth time the MNU has grey listed a facility, with the last instance occurring in 2007 at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre. The rarity of this action underscores the severity of the current situation at HSC.