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Leadership Notes: Executive Director David Hammond
March 11, 2025
As we embark on another busy year, I want to take a moment to recognize and commend the incredible work being done across our union. Your dedication and perseverance continue to drive meaningful progress on key issues that impact our profession and the healthcare system.
Our top priority remains preparing for collective bargaining, ensuring that every Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner has a strong and united voice at the table. At the same time, we are making significant strides in other critical areas. Progress continues on our Joint Job Evaluation System (JES) project with NL Health Services. The lessons learned from this initiative will also be invaluable in resolving ongoing disputes within the Registered Nurse (RN) classification, reinforcing our commitment to equity and fairness across all roles.
In addition to JES, other major initiatives include the renegotiation of the Labrador Benefits Agreement, ensuring that those who serve and reside in the region receive the support and recognition they deserve. These efforts reflect our unwavering dedication to advocating for fair wages, appropriate classification, and improved working conditions for all members.
As we tackle these challenges head-on, I want to extend my gratitude to each of you for your hard work and commitment. Your efforts are making a real difference, and together, we will continue to strengthen our profession and ensure that the voices of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners are heard loud and clear.
Collective Bargaining: The Work Has Begun
We have officially begun preparations for collective bargaining. We asked for your proposals, and the response has been strong—52 members have already submitted their input. These proposals are currently being evaluated, and we encourage more members to share their ideas. Please email your proposals to negotiations@rnunl.ca.
Our Communications and Education team is developing educational resources, including modules that explain the process of bargaining, and there will be a Bargaining Portal added to MyRNU to ensure members are informed of developments in a timely manner. To support this process, you will begin seeing campaign and advertising efforts later this year that focus on the key issues raised in your proposals. This work will lay the groundwork for public awareness and support while sending a clear message to government about the changes needed in our profession.
JES Update
Progress continues on our Joint Job Evaluation System (JES) project with NL Health Services, which aims to ensure fair and accurate job classification for Nurse Practitioners, ultimately supporting appropriate compensation and recognition for their roles. We have successfully finalized six Position Description Questionnaires (PDQs) for Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) review, covering Critical Care, Primary Care, and Acute Care. As we move forward with these completed PDQs and continue efforts to address the remaining outstanding ones, the lessons learned from this initiative will be instrumental in resolving the ongoing disputes within the Registered Nurse (RN) classification, helping to ensure equitable job classification and compensation across the profession.
Any Nurse Practitioner with questions about the process is encouraged to reach out to me at dhammond@rnunl.ca for more information.
A Year of Progress
We are advancing multiple initiatives and achieving meaningful progress on key priorities. Stay connected through MyRNU, social media, and your local branch. Be sure to check MyRNU for upcoming webinars, bargaining updates, and opportunities to participate in union events and advocacy efforts. Engage with your regional representatives and take an active role in shaping the future of our profession. We are stronger together, and together, we are making a difference.
In solidarity,
David Hammond
Executive Director