The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) is pleased to announce a new Private Agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services – Central Zone that will help address nursing shortages and improve access to care in rural, remote, and underserved communities.

Effective August 13, 2025, the agreement provides Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who take on locum assignments in Central Zone communities a $15/hour premium, in addition to regular pay. The agreement also includes travel compensation, accommodations, meal per diems, and paid orientation, ensuring nurses are supported to provide care where they are most needed.

“This is a win for our members and a win for the people of Central Newfoundland,” said Yvette Coffey, President of RNU. “Our members brought forward this idea, and we worked with NLHS to make it a reality. It shows what happens when you listen to nurses: patients benefit, communities benefit, and healthcare gets stronger.”

Communities such as Buchans, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Harbour Breton, New-Wes-Valley, Springdale, and Twillingate will benefit directly from the new agreement. Assignments are offered in two-week minimum blocks, with recurring Expressions of Interest every three months. The pilot program runs until December 31, 2025, at which point it will be reviewed for continuation or revision.

“This is about respecting and supporting nurses so they can continue delivering safe, quality care in every corner of our province,” Coffey added. “Our members are innovative, committed professionals who consistently step forward with solutions. This agreement is proof that when you work with nurses, you get results that strengthen public healthcare.”

While welcoming the agreement, RNU also issued a caution to NLHS regarding reports of managers attempting to claim these benefits for themselves.

“Union benefits are for union members. They are not for managers,” said Coffey. “We’ve already seen this kind of bad faith with the Labrador Zone Travel Locum Pilot, where managers enriched themselves at the expense of frontline nurses. That will not be tolerated. This agreement was created to benefit patients and communities by keeping our public healthcare nurses at the bedside.”

RNU is also raising concerns about the rollout of the agreement. Despite the clear and urgent need in the Central Zone, NLHS has not yet posted any opportunities under this program. Members have reported they are unaware of any postings, and workplaces remain chronically understaffed.

“Our members are asking the same question we are: what’s the delay?” said Coffey. “This agreement is in place, the need is obvious, and yet the vacancies remain unfilled. NLHS needs to get moving and put nurses into these positions so patients and communities in Central Newfoundland can benefit from the solutions we’ve already agreed on.”

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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