The PEINU represents more than 1,200 Registered Nurses working in acute care, long term care, community care, mental health and addictions. Since 1974 we have negotiated, administrated and improved the Collective Agreement for the benefit of our workplaces and Prince Edward Island’s health care.
The Prince Edward Island Nurses’ Union is a strong, credible and respected voice for Registered Nurses and quality health care in our province. We are a member of the Canadian Federation of Nurses’ Unions (CFNU), and thereby affiliated with the Canadian Labor Congress (CLC).
- The PEINU office is supported by three full-time staff, our Executive Director, Office Assistant and Communications Officer.
- Full time elected President.
- The provincial Executive is comprised of a Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
- There are 8 “locals” across the Island, each represented by a Local President at the provincial board table.
- PEINU bargains for improved working conditions as requested by the members.
- PEINU addresses labour relations issues both proactively and as they come up on a day to day basis. Any time a member is taken to task by the employer, the Union is there to ensure she or he is treated fairly and has a voice through any discipline process.
- Any member that is disabled or who becomes disabled such that they cannot perform all or any of the duties of their nursing position can use the collective agreement and the Union for support.
- PEINU provides educational opportunities for members (example: Education fund).
- Supports members in times of need.
- Supports local charitable organizations.
- Participates in joint committees (i.e. PSGIP, Pension, Professional Practice).
- Maintains a working relationship with the College of Registered Nurses of Prince Edward Island (formally named ARNPEI) and other relevant healthcare organizations.
- Communicates important news to the members.
- PEINU provides positive public relations for nurses and health care issues. We lobby government and the employer and are a constant voice in government and the Minister’s ear on nursing issues.
Why a Union?
By joining together in a union, working women and men bring strength to relationships with their employers. Without a union, individual employees must accept pay, benefits and working conditions that an employer offers. Any term of your employment will be at the sole discretion of your employer. You may be paid less or have fewer benefits than someone in the exact same position as you. This is not the case when you are a part of a union.
It is because of unions that workers’ basic rights are met. Without unions, there would no such thing as overtime pay, sick leave, or mandated safe working conditions.
A union will take action on your behalf if you feel you are being treated unfairly. Your work conditions, benefits, and wages that are negotiated into your Collective Agreement will be protected by law and your union will see to it that these conditions are enforced.
It is important to remember that a union is not made up of provincial office staff, or the Board of Directors. A union is you and your co-workers. Union staff assists in day-to-day operations of the union, negotiations, filing of grievances and ensuring members’ needs are met.
Vision
PEINU promotes and protects the well-being of its members in their workplaces and their right to deliver high-quality public health services with honour, respect, and dignity.
Mission
PEINU promotes and advances its members’ well-being.
PEI Nurses’ Union Strategic Plan
The strategic directions and goals are based on our core values. PEINU considers these directions to be vitally important to all PEINU members’ well-being, to the quality of their work lives, and to a sustainable, quality health care system.
PEINU are staying the course with the three, core strategic directions with modifications to reflect the current climate. The core directions are:
- Unite and engage RNs as advocates for healthy and safe work
- Actively support RNs who are affected by the current challenges of workload, skill mix, role visibility, violence, and lobby the government for change.
- Build greater awareness amongst the membership, the government and the public of the distinct value of RNs.