As a result of a ratification vote held over the last several weeks, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is announcing that a collective agreement has been ratified with the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador (RNUNL). This collective agreement represents 5,800 RNUNL members across the province.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and RNUNL worked together to reach an agreement that is a significant step towards the retention and recruitment of nurses, which will help provide stability in the health care system. Highlights of the agreement include:
- A two per cent wage increase each year for four years (2022-2026);
- A one-time employee recognition bonus payment of $2,000;
- Step changes to ensure competitiveness;
- Improvements to recruit and retain permanent full-time employees;
- Increases to travel allowances when travelling on employer business, including meal allowances and various reimbursements for vehicle usage;
- Flexibility for employees to substitute a statutory holiday such that they may observe a non-Christian faith based holiday;
- The addition of paid family violence leave, providing the ability for employees to take time away from the workplace;
- The addition of a mentorship program as a means to support nurses as they adapt to new practice environments;
- Enhancements to the existing preceptorship program; and
- Operational improvements to shift scheduling.
Since last year, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has successfully negotiated collective agreements with five unions. As collective bargaining continues with other public service groups, the Provincial Government is continuing to diligently work to secure agreements through progressive and respectful sets of negotiations.
Quotes
“I am pleased that the members of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador have voted to ratify this collective agreement. I would like to thank the negotiating teams from government and the RNUNL for their work in reaching an agreement that speaks to how we value and respect our nursing community and the dedicated care and service they provide to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board
“We are happy that the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador has ratified this agreement, which provides a compensation package that is competitive with other provinces. While this agreement will help with retention and bring stability to the health care system, we continue to work on bringing more nurses into the system. Our recruitment programs are working, and we look forward to more nurses filling vacancies this year and working with the RNUNL to improve work-life balance.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
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