Manitoba nurses vote to ‘grey list’ Winnipeg’s largest hospital over safety concerns
Posted August 8, 2025 6:22 pm.
HL: Manitoba nurses vote to ‘grey list’ Winnipeg’s largest hospital over safety concerns
The Manitoba Nurses Union will begin advising nurses not to take jobs at Winnipeg’s largest hospital, after its members voted in favour of ‘Grey Listing’ the Health Science Centre Friday afternoon.
The action from the Union stems from a series of disturbing incidents at the Winnipeg hospital, including an incident on July 2nd, when two nurses were sexually assaulted, one in the tunnel, the other on their way to the parkade.
Then came Friday morning, when another nurse fell victim to a sexual assault, the final straw for union president Darlene Jackson.
“They are tired of being in a workplace that is not safe. It’s time for the government and the employer to step up and ensure their safety in that facility. For everyone, whether they are providing care or getting care,” said Jackson.
On top of discouraging members from working there, the Union is asking HSC to implement swipe cards to access hospital tunnels, ensure secure entrances are staffed, and to create an early warning system to alert staff to possible security incidents.
“I really would like to see a memo in writing that gives very firm timelines as to when this will be accomplished,” said Jackson.
In a statement to CityNews, a spokesperson from Shared Health said “Any form of assault or abuse is deeply personal and Shared Health takes these incidents seriously. We respect the survivor’s privacy and encourage everyone to demonstrate care and compassion for anyone who encounters traumatic experiences.”
They added that the hospital was aware of a sexual assault that had happened outside on William Avenue late Thursday evening, saying, “HSC Security and the Winnipeg Police Service took immediate action, the perpetrator was apprehended and the survivor received immediate health services.”
The statement went on the say, “Shared Health remains committed to working with partners to improve safety both on HSC campus and off it for both the front line staff, the patients and anyone visiting our facilities.”
While the ‘Grey Listing’ has the potential to limit the hospitals’ ability to attract new nurses, Union President Darlene Jackson assures the public that the decision will not affect patient care at HSC.
“What it does is tell nurses in facility, it alerts nurses who may want to apply to that facility, and it alerts the public that this is not a safe workplace, the employer does not provide safety to anyone in that facility.”
For more on the ‘Grey Listing’ visit the Shared Health website.
