Know Your Rights

Understanding Displacement and Reassignment for Casual Employees

February 27, 2025
image of Collective Agreement

Casual employees play an essential role in healthcare staffing, but sometimes, due to changing workplace demands, a casual Registered Nurse (RN) may face displacement or reassignment. Understanding your rights as a casual employee is crucial, particularly in how displacement/reassignment is handled according to the collective agreement.

What is Displacement?

Displacement occurs when an employer temporarily changes an employee’s position due to operational needs.  Displacement can be triggered by:

• Increased or decreased workload,
• Unexpected absences requiring urgent personnel coverage,
• Emergencies.

 

Steps to Follow When a Casual RN is Displaced or Reassigned

The process for displacement/reassignment depends on when the need changes (before or after shift commencement) and whether the casual RN is classified as obligated or non-obligated.

1. If the Need Changes Before the Shift Starts

• Non-Obligated Casual: The employer must notify the casual RN and offer another assignment. If the casual RN declines, they have no obligation to work, and the shift is canceled. (Article 33.08 (ii))
• Obligated Casual: The employer must notify the casual RN and assign them to a new work assignment, which they are required to accept. (Article 32.02 (e))

2. If the Need Changes After the Shift Starts

• Non-Obligated Casual: The casual RN is required to accept the new assignment.
• Obligated Casual: The employer must notify the casual RN and assign them to a new work assignment, which they are required to accept. (Article 32.02 (e))

 

Your Rights as a Casual RN

If you are displaced/reassigned as a casual RN, remember:

• You cannot be forced to accept a new assignment prior to commencement of the shift if you are a non-obligated casual.
• If you are an obligated casual, you must accept reassignment.
 

Understanding your rights empowers you to navigate changes in your shift assignments with confidence. If you have further questions about displacement, reach out to your Labour Relations Officer or your branch president for guidance.