The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) is pleased to welcome nursing union leaders from across Atlantic Canada to St. John’s this week for Atlantic Caucus meetings, taking place November 3-5.
The Atlantic Caucus brings together the presidents and executive directors of the nursing unions representing licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. The group meets to address shared challenges, exchange strategies, and coordinate advocacy that strengthens public healthcare and the nursing profession across the region.
This week’s agenda includes nurse-patient ratios, collective bargaining, the use of agency nurses as staffing solutions, and preparations for Eastern Labour School (ELS) – a biennial education event for union volunteers from all four provinces.
“Nursing is under threat from many fronts, and what we are experiencing here in Newfoundland and Labrador is being felt in every Atlantic province,” said Yvette Coffey, President of RNU. “These caucus meetings give us the opportunity to share strategies, align our advocacy, and strengthen our collective voice for nurses and for public healthcare in Atlantic Canada.”
Collective Bargaining and Shared Strategy
With RNU’s current collective agreement set to expire on June 30, 2026, preparations for the next round of bargaining are already underway. Collective bargaining is a top agenda item, with the New Brunswick Nurses’ Union sharing lessons learned and successful strategies from their recently completed negotiations.
The RNU has adopted the theme “Be a Leader, Not a Follower” as it prepares for negotiations this spring. The union is determined to lead with the same creativity, dedication, and problem-solving that registered nurses and nurse practitioners demonstrate every day on the front lines of healthcare.
“As we prepare for our own round of bargaining, these conversations are invaluable,” said Yvette Coffey, President of RNU. “Our nurses are leaders not just in care, but in finding solutions. That leadership must be recognized and respected at the bargaining table.”
Nurse-Patient Ratios and Safe Staffing
Nurse-patient ratios are another key focus of the Atlantic Caucus discussions. In British Columbia, legislated ratios are in place. In Nova Scotia, a safe-staffing framework tied to guaranteed nursing hours of care per patient day is being developed by employers and the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union under their collective agreement. In Manitoba, a “Made-in-Manitoba” approach is being developed through a joint sub-committee.
“Nurse-patient ratios are proven to improve patient outcomes and nurse retention,” Coffey added. “While Newfoundland and Labrador still has important groundwork to complete, such as a core staffing review, we recognize the value of this work and the steps we must take to move forward.”
Eastern Labour School: Building Knowledge and Solidarity
The meetings will also help shape the next Eastern Labour School, a joint initiative of the four Atlantic nursing unions that brings together hundreds of volunteers for a week of education, leadership development, and advocacy training. The 2026 Eastern Labour School will be hosted in Fredericton, New Brunswick, in May or June 2026.
“Eastern Labour School is where our union leaders and activists grow their skills, deepen their knowledge, and build solidarity across the Atlantic provinces,” said Coffey. “It’s about empowering nurses to lead change in their workplaces and across our healthcare system.”
The Atlantic Caucus meetings highlight the strength of regional collaboration and the shared commitment of Atlantic nursing unions to advance safe staffing, fair workplaces, and a sustainable public healthcare system for all.
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About the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador represents over 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners across the province, advocating for quality health care, safe working conditions, and respect for the nursing profession.
For more information, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
Tel: (709) 691-6890
Email: jhamel@rnunl.ca