A significant development has unfolded at St. Boniface Hospital, as the Manitoba Nurses Union (MNU) confirmed that 94 per cent of participating nurses voted to place the hospital on a grey list.
According to the union, this move reflects mounting frustration among nurses who say persistent safety concerns have been recognized but not adequately addressed. Union leadership emphasized that frontline staff are no longer willing to tolerate what they describe as repeated exposure to unsafe and violent workplace conditions.
MNU President Darlene Jackson stated that nurses are exhausted from working in an environment where serious safety issues remain unresolved. She underscored that the situation cannot continue as “the same shift, different day,” referring to ongoing risks and insufficient corrective measures.
What Grey Listing Means For Hospitals And Nurses
The MNU represents approximately 13,000 nurses throughout Manitoba. The union clarified that grey listing is not a strike or work stoppage. Instead, it serves as a formal advisory discouraging current and prospective members from seeking employment at a specific facility due to unsafe or inappropriate working conditions.
In practical terms, a grey list designation signals that the union believes workplace standards fall below acceptable safety expectations.
The decision to remove the grey listing, the union explained, depends entirely on whether the employer meets the reasonable safety conditions outlined by nursing staff.
Importantly, the union emphasized that nurses are not demanding unrealistic changes. Their primary request is a secure workplace environment supported by the resources necessary to deliver safe patient care.
Third Manitoba Hospital Grey Listed Within A Year
St. Boniface Hospital becomes the third healthcare facility in Manitoba to receive this designation within the past year. In 2025, both the Health Sciences Centre and Thompson General Hospital were also placed on the grey list.
This pattern has raised broader concerns about hospital workplace safety across the province. The MNU indicated that the vote at St. Boniface demonstrates nurses’ commitment to prioritizing their well-being and expecting the same level of commitment from hospital administration.
Government Response And Security Measures
In response to rising safety concerns within Manitoba hospitals, the provincial government recently introduced new security initiatives. These measures include plans to expand the presence of security personnel in healthcare facilities.
Hospital leadership, speaking through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, acknowledged the seriousness of the grey listing decision. A spokesperson stated that ensuring staff safety remains a top priority and affirmed that all employees deserve a respectful, protected, and supportive work environment.
Officials indicated that several improvements have already been implemented at St. Boniface Hospital. Among them is the addition of 18 Institutional Safety Officers to enhance on-site security.
Hospital representatives also stressed that efforts to strengthen safety and security are ongoing. Leadership stated they are collaborating with staff, unions, government officials, and the Winnipeg Police Service to address concerns and implement meaningful improvements.
Key Details At A Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Hospital | St. Boniface Hospital |
| Union | Manitoba Nurses Union (MNU) |
| Vote Outcome | 94% in favor of grey listing |
| Nurses Represented Provincewide | Approximately 13,000 |
| Other Grey Listed Hospitals (2025) | Health Sciences Centre, Thompson General Hospital |
| New Security Enhancements | 18 Institutional Safety Officers added |
| Grey Listing Definition | Advisory against employment due to unsafe conditions (not a strike) |
Focus On Workplace Safety And Patient Care
At the core of this development is a shared acknowledgment that workplace safety directly impacts patient care quality. The MNU maintains that safe working environments enable nurses to provide high-standard, effective care.
The union has made it clear that lifting the grey list status depends on hospital leadership taking concrete, measurable steps to resolve safety concerns. Administrators have expressed willingness to continue engaging in collaborative efforts to improve working conditions.
As discussions move forward, both sides face increasing public scrutiny regarding healthcare worker safety, hospital security measures, and broader system-wide challenges.
Conclusion
The grey listing of St. Boniface Hospital by the Manitoba Nurses Union marks a pivotal moment in Manitoba’s healthcare landscape.
With 94 per cent of nurses supporting the designation, the decision reflects deep concerns about workplace safety and unresolved security issues.
While hospital leadership and provincial authorities have introduced security enhancements—including additional safety officers—nurses are seeking sustained, meaningful action.
The path to removing the grey list will depend on whether administrators can successfully implement improvements that ensure a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors alike.
The outcome of these efforts may influence not only St. Boniface Hospital but broader healthcare policy and workplace standards across Manitoba.
FAQs
What Does It Mean When A Hospital Is Grey Listed?
A grey list is an advisory issued by a union warning members not to seek employment at a facility due to unsafe or inappropriate working conditions. It is not a strike.
How Many Nurses Voted To Grey List St. Boniface Hospital?
Ninety-four per cent of participating nurses voted in favor of placing the hospital on the grey list.
What Safety Improvements Have Been Implemented?
The hospital has added 18 Institutional Safety Officers and is collaborating with unions, government officials, and law enforcement to improve workplace security.