NLNU is committed to supporting nurses and health care of the highest quality. In doing so, we constantly monitor and speak out about workplace issues, government policies, national trends and more. We demand good government and challenge policy makers on shortsighted thinking. We also lobby employers and government on critical health issues, including protecting and enhancing our public health care system. We also work with other health care and labour groups to advance the rights of workers and to promote high standards of living.
NLNU and nurses’ unions across Canada are calling for change in long-term care. In a recently released report by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, researchers, advocates and front line workers explore the challenges and realities facing long-term care. Quite simply, the report reveals we have a long way to go in providing the care deserving of every Canadian. In this province, NLNU is working to bring about change and is taking part in a provincial review of staffing in long term care. Together with government, employers and other stakeholders, we are looking at ways to improve the situation in our long-term care facilities – to make it better for residents and health professionals.
Learn more: Read CFNU’s report Long-term care in Canada: Status quo no option
Canada remains one of the few industrialized countries without a national drug plan. As a result, over eight million Canadians do not have insurance or are under-insured for prescription drugs. Universal Pharmacare will give all Canadians access to medication and lead to improved health outcomes. It will also control the growth of drug costs. The time for a universal Pharmacare plan is long overdue.
On September 13, the Canadian Health Coalition co-released a groundbreaking new report, The Economic Case for Universal Pharmacare. The report lays out the formula for a Pharmacare program that not only offers coverage to all Canadians, but could save up to $10.7 billion in annual spending. The report has garnered the endorsement of eminent doctors, economists, and researchers.
NLNU and nurses' unions across Canada are supporting the efforts of the Canadian Health Coalition as they call on the Government of Canada to introduce universal Pharmacare.
Take Action: Visit www.pharmacarenow.ca to support the campaign.
NLNU joins nurses across Canada and the Canadian Health Coalition in advocating for the sustainability of the Canadian health care system. Nurses, through their work on the front lines of health care, have first-hand knowledge of how to improve the effectiveness of our health system. We know that solutions to current challenges lie not in expanding private health care but in supporting innovation, applying technology, and increasing the number of health professionals. Research over the years has consistently shown that privatization and two-tier systems do not improve the quality of health service, outcomes or wait times. We believe that a publicly funded, not-for-profit health system is the most effective and ethical way to provide health care.
Learn more: visit www.medicare.ca and www.mybettermedicare.ca
Read The Sustainability of Medicare
Take action: Sign the Medicare pledge or join Nurses for Medicare
NLNU has joined the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions and the Canadian Labour Congress to ensure retirement security for everyone. Pension plans and retirement savings have been hit hard by the recession. The number of Canadians retiring in poverty is alarming. The Canadian Labour Congress has launched a campaign to improve the national pension system and NLNU is supporting this work.
Learn more: CLC's Pension Proposals: What do they mean for Newfoundland and Labrador
Take Action: Retirement Security for Everyone
A serious nursing shortage still remains throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as across Canada. NLNU’s new collective agreement, which contains many new benefits to members, including a 20 per cent wage increase, the deletion of two steps from the bottom of the salary scale, and the addition of one step to the top of the salary scale, combined with continued recruitment efforts by employers is helping to fill vacancies in this province, but much work is still needed. Over the course of the next year, advocating for employers and government to address this shortage and improve working conditions for members will remain a top priority for NLNU.
Learn more about the national nursing shortage and review nurses’ recommendations on how to address it.
