Member Orientation

Welcome to the New Brunswick Nurses Union

We are grassroots. Our union isn’t an office in Fredericton. It’s the attitude we bring to our work.

What makes nurses so special is what makes our union strong. The energy, the smarts, the drive. NBNU is the credible and respected voice of nurses in the province. That’s because we are a grassroots collective of members. Our union is a channel for our voice, both locally where we work, all the way to the negotiating table with government.

Benefits of unionism

We stand up for our rights—and each other—in the most powerful way we can: by having a collective voice. By supporting one another. By reclaiming power through our grassroots approach, where every interaction is a union moment and every member represents the collective.

One of the core reasons nurses become active in the union is so our voices can be heard at the negotiating table. That means that your voice in your local directly informs NBNU as we prepare to negotiate your collective agreement. If you have ever wanted to be involved in shaping your own contract, being engaged with the union is how you do it.

Every grassroots organization relies on the strength of its membership. Membership comes with opportunities to organize, support and protect. Active members often hold executive roles within their locals. Ask your Local President how to get involved.

Few people understand the needs of patients, clients, and residents better than the nurses who care for them every day. Advocating for those in your care is one of the most important parts of our job.

The union’s position on issues related to patient care comes directly from our membership—those who speak to us directly or share their thoughts at local meetings. While one voice may not be enough to change the healthcare system, the voices of 10,000 nurses together are hard to ignore.

Across the province and country, members come together not only to build friendships, but to organize, advocate, and effect meaningful change. Whether at meetings, events, or rallies, we unite around shared values and a common purpose: to strengthen our profession and protect the future of nursing.

One of the most important reasons to be involved with NBNU is the opportunity to speak on behalf of nurses. Our experiences are unique and valuable, yet they often go unheard outside of our professional circles. When you engage with the union, we can use your voice to influence decisions and outcomes and, ultimately, improve working conditions for ourselves and our colleagues.

Nursing and labour groups across Canada conduct research and publish reports on a wide range of issues that affect us as a frontline healthcare workers. We use this information to lobby government, challenge harmful legislation and promote positive changes.

Most nurses don’t enter the profession with activism in mind, but one of the great privileges of being part of a public-sector union is the opportunity to connect with others through the broader labour movement.

There are many benefits to engaging with organizations like the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU), the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), or the New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL). NBNU activists attend conventions around the country, participate in rallies, and build strong relationships with people from diverse backgrounds—all in the name of improving the lives of working people. The experiences that come with being a member of the labour movement are unique and deeply rewarding.

NBNU members have access to incredible opportunities to try new things, meet new people and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Through our partnership with CFNU and other labour groups, members have travelled nationally and internationally for conferences—and some have even taken part in volunteer trips partially funded by the NBNU Humanitarian Fund or the CFNU Solidarity Fund.

Member Portal

Get bargaining updates, submit reports, apply for financial assistance and more.

Collective Agreement

View the most recently negotiated collective agreement for each sector.

LRO Locator

Find details for your Labour Relations Officer by searching by workplace.

Learning Portal (coming soon)

Discover easy-to-use learning experiences designed for busy schedules.

Member services

As a labour union working on behalf of Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and public sector Licensed Practical Nurses, our union is responsible for offering a wide range of services to assure the socio-economic well-being of our members through our network of bargaining units.

Insurance and Benefits

Get coverage for health, dental, disability and more through your benefit packages.

Learn More

Retirement and Pensions

Details on pension plans and retirement options to start planning for your big milestone.

Learn More

Educational Assistance

Access to funding and programming that helps you achieve your career goals.

Learn More

“If the system is going to make us practice nursing in the hallways, we have to bring the union to the hallways, too.”

— Paula doucet

Nurses at a rally

Your role as a member

Many of the challenges in nursing continue not because they are systematically enforced, but because they’re culturally accepted. It’s not our job to fix the entire healthcare system, but we have the power to change its culture.

Too often, nurses are pressured to take on tasks they shouldn’t have to do, work longer than is safe for them and their patients, or to do work that violates their collective agreement. This can leave members unsure of what is right or wrong.

NBNU is where we, as members, determine what is right and wrong. We have all the tools we need to stand up for each other and challenge treatment that violates our collective agreement. There’s 10, 000 of us—that’s 10, 000 people who have your back, who can guide you, and who believe in, respect, and honour you.

To truly benefit from your membership, you need to engage with the union. Be active. Get involved. We’ve all been where you are now, and we’re so glad that you’ve joined us.

Member Handbook

Frequently asked questions

Organized labour is complex. Nursing in particular exists within a system of multiple actors who sound similar and who appear to have overlapping mandates. Let’s clear some of that up now.

NANB and NBNU operate independently and have distinct responsibilities. Both groups, however, both organizations share a similar structure:

  • Each has a governing body to set policy
  • Each has office staff and member-led committees to carry out the direction of the governing body
  • In both cases, the members themselves control the direction by electing representatives to a board of directors

The role of NANB is to regulate the nursing profession in the interest of public safety. They:

  • Act as the licensing body for practicing nurses as mandated by the Nurses Act (1984)
  • Ensure that professional standards are met through a registration and renewal process and a complaints and discipline process
  • Set standards for and approve schools of nursing
  • Promote professional ethics
  • Develop, establish, maintain and administer standards for its members in nursing practice education and continuing nursing education
  • Advocate for the welfare of the public and the profession

The role of NBNU is to protect and advocate for nurses. We:

  • Advance, as a labour organization, the economic, social and general well-being of current and future members as a labour organization
  • Negotiate and enforce the best collective agreements achievable between nurses and the employers
  • Promote appropriate working conditions and high professional standards of practice to support quality patient care
  • Represent nurses through education and legislative advocacy
  • Collaborate with NANB on projects that support the nursing profession

NBNU is the only official body established to protect you in the workplace. We’re a grassroots organization, which means our strength comes from our members. Your energy and involvement give the Union its collective voice and power. A strong, engaged membership ensures NBNU remains healthy, collaborative, and effective.

We can only stay connected if we know how to reach each other. It’s important to keep the NBNU office informed of any changes to your contact details — including address, name, phone number or email.

If you would like to receive our monthly e-newsletter, please ensure we have your correct email address.

To give updates or if you need assistance, contact the office by email at [email protected] or call (506) 453-0820 or 1 (800) 442-4914.

At its core, a union is simply a group of workers who have won the legal right to negotiate their wages and working conditions — but unions are more than just a contract. It’s strength is entirely dependent on the unity and engagement of the members who fight for it. The voice of many is stronger than the voice of one.

Attending local meetings or participating in union events is a great way to stay informed and get involved.

We can only act on issues we’re aware of. If something does not seem right through your eyes, the first step is to raise it at the local level and then notify your Labour Relations Officer if needed.

Union involvement looks different for everyone. For some, it means joining the local executive and learning about governance. For others, it might mean volunteering at events or simply knowing your rights and speaking up.

If you’re asked to do something that goes against your collective agreement, talk to your Local President. If you’re unsure about something during your shift, ask another member. The union isn’t just an organization — it’s the attitude we bring to work. It gives us clarity, confidence, and protection.

Technically, a local is comprised of a group of nurses in a shared workplace who have been certified under the Public Service Labour Relations Act or the Industrial Relations Act, allowing NBNU to negotiate their collective agreement.

In practice, your local is the grassroots organization of members in your area. It’s your support system where you live and work.

The members of a local nominate and elect officers to provide leadership and to address workplace issues. NBNU’s provincial office provides counselling, legal support, and experienced negotiators when needed.

Locals have the potential to be powerful, savvy grassroots organizations full of energy and the spirit of its members. Get involved in your local and add your voice to our collective strength.

A Labour Relations Officer (LRO) is an NBNU employee who helps members understand and enforce their collective agreements. LROs provide services such as grievance representation and support at NANB or ANBLPN hearings.

Both LROs and Local Presidents have access to resources that help members navigate workplace challenges through official channels.

Union dues are monthly contributions made by members to support the Union’s operations and advocacy efforts. These pooled resources protect and benefit all members. Any changes to your union dues must be voted on and approved by the delegates at the Annual General Meeting.

Locals receive $5 per member per month from provincial office as a dues rebate.  These funds support the local’s activities and are managed by the Local Executive. All expenses must be approved and recorded in the local’s meeting minutes.