About NBNU
We’re a grassroots, bilingual labour union who protects the workplace rights of Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and Licensed Practical Nurses employed in various healthcare facilities throughout the province of New Brunswick. Together we are over 10,000 members strong.
We’re dedicated to upholding and promoting the economic wellbeing and rights of our members. Founded in 1978, we are an open and democratic grassroots organization that promotes the participation of the maximum number of members in decision-making.
We provide effective provincial leadership, valued membership services and grassroots member representation. We are an organization that recognizes that progress is achieved by promoting and supporting social issues in solidarity with other labour organizations and community groups.
Our Mission
The mission of NBNU is to enhance the work-life balance as well as the social, economic and personal well-being of nurses.
Our Vision
NBNU is the professional, credible and respected voice for nurses and the public healthcare system.
President’s Message
We’ve had 51 remarkably strong years. I’ve witnessed some really big wins over my time as a nurse that were only made possible because of our union. I’ve also witnessed some really trying times, too. During my time as president, I’ve seen the system amp up their efforts directly against our members. We’re bargaining hard, keeping their feet to the fire. Our members are using all the tools available to them. But things are getting worse and worse. As a union, there’s so much more we could be doing collectively.
NBNU was built on grassroots unionism. That’s always remained our focus and our foundation. So we’re going back to our grassroots to find our strength there. That means all of us searching deep to remember why we’re a part of this union. The union that has fought tooth and nail for us over the last 51 years.
It’s easy to keep doing the same thing. There’s a real comfort in that. But the hard truth is that something has to change. What we’re doing isn’t working fast enough to counter the treatment our members—you—face day-to-day on your shifts. Violence is on the rise. Everyday you’re asked to do more with less. If the government publicly recognized that, if they actually put their hands in the air and asked for our help, well then we’d be in a very different position.
But I’m done waiting for them to ask for help. We have to expand our definition of ‘union’ so that it is a tool you can use to protect yourself and each other when you’re at work, when you’re at home and when you’re out in your communities.
I’ll be the first person to say that change is tough. But I’m certain that NBNU’s return to grassroots unionism is just what we need at this very moment in history to become the powerful force to protect our profession, our culture and our members.
NBNU is here for you. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you wish to receive further information on the roles and responsibilities of your Union, please do not hesitate to contact me at 1 (800) 442-4914 or contact your Local President.
Thank you all and keep up the excellent work.
In Solidarity,
Paula Doucet, President & RN
Our Principles
At our core, they’re what we believe in as a union. They’re our commitment to each other, every day.
Our nurses are our members.
Nurses save patients. Members save each other.
Our conversations are our currency.
There is no union if we isolate.
Our experiences are our truths.
We know what’s brought us here, and no one can take that away from us.
Our hallways are our union.
At the workplace. On shift. Every hour of every day.
Our walls are our protection.
Together we stand. Together we fall. Always we protect.
Our voices are our power.
We speak up when we’ve had enough. We speak out when we’re silenced.
