Manitoba Plans to End Mandatory Overtime Amid Nursing Shortage

BRANDON — The Manitoba government is moving forward with a plan to eliminate mandatory overtime for health-care workers, despite facing a significant nursing shortage in the Prairie Mountain Health region. Currently, the region has a vacancy rate of approximately 30 percent for nursing positions, raising concerns among union representatives about the feasibility of this initiative.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced the government’s commitment during a press conference on Wednesday. He stated that the province has sufficient nursing staff to implement this change, as outlined in the throne speech delivered earlier in the week. “We’ve got the nurses in the health-care system to do this, and we’re going to keep hiring as many nurses as possible,” Asagwara explained, highlighting efforts to attract nurses from other jurisdictions, including the United States and internationally educated professionals.

As of last month, the Manitoba Nurses Union reported 650 vacant nursing positions within Prairie Mountain Health. This includes 353 licensed practical nurses and 273 registered nurses, along with additional vacancies for nurse practitioners and registered practical nurses. Given that the total number of nursing positions available in the region is 2,174, the staffing issues are pronounced.

Union president Darlene Jackson expressed skepticism about the government’s plan. “I think it’s a positive move,” she commented, “but I feel as if, right now, we do not have enough nurses to actually make that happen.” Jackson emphasized the challenges of implementing a no-mandatory-overtime policy when the staffing levels remain critically low.

Many nurses, even if not officially mandated, often feel pressured to work extra hours to support their colleagues and ensure patient care. Jackson noted that it is common for a nurse scheduled for an eight-hour shift to end up working an additional eight hours, leading to exhaustion and potential burnout.

Since April 2024, the Manitoba government has reported hiring a net of 481 new nurses. In a broader context, the NDP government has claimed to have added 3,400 net new health-care workers since taking office two years ago. Alongside the overtime policy changes, the throne speech included plans to establish staff-to-patient ratios in critical areas such as emergency rooms and to enhance patient safety through a new charter and digital health initiatives.

Jackson argued that instead of focusing on a patient safety charter, the government should prioritize ensuring adequate staffing levels and safe working conditions for nurses. “Until every vacancy is full, I don’t see us being successful in providing safe patient care for every Manitoban,” she asserted, questioning the impact of the proposed charter without concrete staffing solutions.

As of now, Prairie Mountain Health, which employs around 8,200 health-care workers, has not responded to inquiries regarding the government’s plan. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders continue to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing nursing shortage in Manitoba.