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President’s Tour: Bringing Members and Leadership Together
September 19, 2025
RNU’s President’s Tour is bringing leadership directly to members’ communities, creating invaluable opportunities for connection, conversation, and advocacy.
This September, RNU President Yvette Coffey and the Provincial Board continued the tour in Central Newfoundland and Labrador, connecting with more than 150 Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners. Over four days, Coffey visited 11 sites, drove nearly 2,000 kilometres, and held meetings that put members’ voices front and centre.
The Central leg built on the first phase of the tour, which last September reached nurses across Labrador and Western Newfoundland. Together, these visits represent the most extensive member-to-member engagement in recent memory—proof of RNU’s commitment to being present in every region of the province.
Coffey said the themes raised in Central echoed concerns heard earlier in the tour.
“Every stop on this tour, nurses are sharing the same concerns. They are working short, mandated to cover gaps, and many are even being denied their right to take leave — and when they do, they’re harassed by their employer while away,” said Coffey. “This is not how you demonstrate respect for nurses. Our members are not satisfied with this treatment, and they expect answers and meaningful changes that show them the respect they deserve.”
Members Welcomed the Opportunity
From Baie Verte to Fogo Island, members shared concerns about staffing, workload, and retention—but above all, they valued the chance to connect directly with their union president and board representatives.
Jonathan Mayo, Region 5 Representative, noted the impact of in-person connection:
“The tour was well received by our membership, and it meant a lot to them to see the leadership face to face. Giving members an opportunity to be heard by the president means a lot.”
Region 6 Representative Jenifer Hiscock agreed, highlighting the sense of validation it provided:
“It was obvious the members loved having an opportunity to connect with their Provincial President. Not only did they receive updates on important issues, developments, and successes, they were given an opportunity to speak, be heard, and feel validated.”
By the Numbers
- 150+ members met
- 1,995 kilometres traveled
- 11 union meetings held
Central Newfoundland Tour Stops
Baie Verte • Springdale • Buchans • Grand Falls–Windsor (two meetings) • Botwood • Lewisporte • Twillingate • Fogo Island • Gander
The Central leg wrapped up with the Council of Presidents meeting in Gander, where themes from across the province were brought together.
With more tour stops ahead, the message is clear: RNU is “all in” when it comes to being present for its members, listening to their experiences, and advocating for the change nurses and patients deserve. By the time the tour concludes, every region of Newfoundland and Labrador will have had the chance to connect directly with union leadership.