Springdale, NL – The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) is hitting the road again, continuing its listening tour with a central leg that will see President Yvette Coffey and the union’s provincial leadership meeting face-to-face with frontline members across 11 communities from September 7–15.
Stops on this leg of the President’s Tour include: Baie Verte, Springdale, Buchans, Grand Falls-Windsor, Botwood, Lewisporte, Twillingate, Fogo Island, Gander, Glovertown, and New-Wes-Valley.
“This is about listening, connecting, and acting,” said RNU President Yvette Coffey. “Our members are exhausted and frustrated, but they are also strong, united, and determined. Nurses are experts on the frontlines of healthcare, and together we are charting the solutions that will make our system stronger and safer for everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The President’s Tour continues the dialogue that began last summer and fall, giving members the chance to share their experiences directly with union leadership. Alongside listening, Coffey will also provide updates on progressive, creative solutions the union has put forward to address chronic understaffing and the recent wins secured for members.
Already, hundreds of members have submitted proposals for the next round of collective bargaining, with clear themes emerging:
- Safety in the workplace.
- Equal pay for equal work.
- Elimination of the inequitable two-tier sick leave system.
- Better access to family leave.
- Standardized and improved compensation for all types of overtime.
- Elimination of employer-abused “flex time.”
- Fair pay for shift extensions, handover, education on days off, staff meetings, and mentoring and precepting.
“Our members are sending a clear message: we need respect, fairness, and safe workplaces,” Coffey said. “These proposals aren’t just about contracts – they’re about protecting nurses and improving the public healthcare system for every Newfoundlander and Labradorian.”
The tour comes at a pivotal time, with the writ for the provincial election expected to be dropped this week. RNU is urging members to listen closely to what party leaders are promising.
“Whoever forms government will have their work cut out for them,” Coffey added. “Nurses will not back down from doing what’s necessary to secure a fair deal. We are collaborative, we are creative, and we are committed to solutions but make no mistake, our members are mobilizing, and we are determined to see meaningful change.”
Members in central Newfoundland are encouraged to attend tour events in their community to share their voices and help shape the path forward.
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About the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) represents over 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners working in acute care, long-term care, community, education, and research. The Union advocates for its members and the public healthcare system to improve access, quality, and sustainability of care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
For more information, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
Phone: (709) 691-6890
Email: jhamel@rnunl.ca