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The nursing workforce is the largest of all the healthcare professions - the backbone of the healthcare system. Embraced by a union, a nurse’s voice is amplified many times over, increasing its influence and ability to transform.
Unions unite and empower members, advocate for appropriate working terms and conditions, and defend workers.
Unions negotiate from a position of respect to ensure workers earn a good living, have job security and work life balance.
Why do I need a union like NSNU?
Unionism is about community. The Nurses’ Union provides that environment, and services that are unique to nurses. Our staff, many of whom are nurses, offer expertise and support on issues they understand and relate to. Having a union on your side means you’re never alone when navigating your career obligations and employee rights.
Union representatives, like your Board of Directors, are the spokespeople who channel your concerns to the public, media, government, regulatory body, employers and other organizations to resolve issues and secure your standing in the workforce.
What are the benefits of collective bargaining?
Skilled representatives of the union lead negotiations on behalf of members. The NSNU employs staff who conduct research on labour and healthcare related issues that inform the direction of negotiations. Staff have in-depth knowledge of interpreting contract language and enforcing collective agreements. Teamwork between staff and your Board of Directors ensures your best interests are the primary consideration.
Collective agreements give agency to all workers and consistent protection from abitrary management practices.
What does Union Solidarity mean?
Unions exist within a network of like-minded organizations that uplift each other and build momentum on common goals. Together, the labour movement has achieved great things including the minimum wage, maximum working hours, paid holidays and leaves, equal pay for work of equal value as well as anti-discrimination laws.
Do union workers get higher wages?
Workers who are union members earn higher wages than non-union workers. The difference is even greater for women and people of color.
Do union workers receive better benefits?
Union workers are more likely than their non-union counterparts to have access to health care and pension benefits, LTD, and LOA. Unions are responsible for securing and improving maternity, paternity, shared parental and carer leave for countless workers.
If I’m injured or sick, what provisions are available to me?
Workers who may become sick or injured on or away from the job have options. An accommodation offers working conditions customized to meet an employee’s specific needs. While sick time, short or long-term disability, provides coverage for more serious illnesses or injuries.
Is a unionized workplace safer?
Yes and no. Union representatives ensure that workers are trained in occupational health and safety measures to deal with issues ranging from stress and mental health issues to hazardous substances, while also presenting their coworkers’ health and safety interests to management. A safe work environment is a shared responsibility between unions, employers and employees. We must all do our part. One lapse in judgement or responsibility could result in harm. However, there are consequences and accountability provisions in place within a unionized work environment. Unions strongly recommend safe hours of work and champion safe staffing initiatives.
If I have a work problem, does the union offer legal services and advice?
In situations such as disciplinary and grievance hearings, your union representative can give you expert advice, support and representation from start to finish. Unions have legal teams who ensure you are treated fairly, free of charge. Your union is there for you whether the problem pertains to employment contracts, harassment, layoffs, pensions or discrimination.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure I have a say in union matters?
Your vote and input matter. The majority of members must vote to approve an agreement before it can be ratified or accepted as a contract. Members can also determine who speaks for their Local, region, sector and designation. Locals select Table Officers and Shop Stewards who represent their views in management meetings and at provincial union gatherings, similar to parliamentary representation.
Participating in NSNU and CFNU polls and surveys ensure your opinions and feedback contribute to union dialogue and decision making. Unions are democratic entities that encourage engagement and participation.
I’m a mid-career nurse. What does a Union membership provide for me?
A good collective agreement offers something for everyone. For younger nurses there are leaves to raise a family, mobility, career advancement and educational offerings (including labour education), and the ability to accumulate pensionable earnings at an early age. For mid-to-late career nurses there’s scheduling flexibility, stable wages, and family leaves for life’s unexpected events. And for late career nurses there can be accommodations, mentoring and preceptor roles, the promise of a guaranteed retirement income and peace of mind.
What else does the Union offer?
NSNU offers scholarships, bursaries and grants for nurses and their family members, and Locals. The Nurses’ Union fights for social justice causes (pharmacare, 2SLBGTQIA+ community, racialized workers, the impacts of climate change, food insecurity, war torn regions, the determinants of health, programs and shelters for women and children fleeing violence and addiction, natural disasters, and Medicare) and encourages nurses to mobilize on issues, demonstrating the inspiring compassion and courage of the profession. By getting involved you help advance patient care and the nursing experience.
The labour movement was built by people with ideas and ideals, a passion for fairness and a conviction for improving workers’ everyday lives.
Unions harmonize diverse voices. Unions strive to elevate the working experience, standard of living and recognition of not just their members, but of all who labour.
At a time when unions are under attack and the world is divided, let's remain united.
NSNU thanks our incredible members for their commitment to nursing and for placing your trust in the union movement.
