Since the government’s announcement earlier this month, we have heard from many MNU members that the current incentives do not address certain significant areas of nursing and nursing needs.

We know that we have well over 2,000 vacant nursing positions currently in our province. As our President Darlene Jackson has clearly stated, these new incentives are “a positive first step,” but more needs to be done in order to ensure effective and comprehensive measures are in place to properly address our dire nursing shortage in Manitoba.

For those of you that wish to send your concerns to the Health Minister, the Premier, and your MLA, please check behind the MNU Portal for some suggested templates that might assist you in drafting your concerns and communication.

For members who have not yet accessed the MNU Portal, you will need to first create an account and password. Please visit https://portal.manitobanurses.ca/ then click Sign Up Now. You will use your MNU ID number.

If you require a password reset, you can find the link on the Member Portal sign in page. Please note that you must already have an email address on file in order to reset your password.

If you require further assistance, contact the Membership Department at membership@manitobanurses.ca.

‘Channel Your Inner CouRAGE’ not only speaks to the gravity of the situation nurses currently find themselves in, but to the advocacy for both nurse and patient safety. Nurses have shown incredible courage during the COVID-19 pandemic on a multitude of levels. The capitalization of ‘RAGE’ is meant to highlight the dissatisfaction with the provincial government’s health care reforms, pandemic response and of course, four years without a collective agreement.
All T-shirts are $25 each and are available in crew and V-neck styles, available in three colours (white, charcoal and black), and come in various sizes. The white V-neck is a women’s fit, while the charcoal and black crew necks are a unisex fit.
To place an order email the Workplace 10 with your information: Name, crew or V neck style, size and colour.

Unisex Crew Neck t-shirt size

tshirt_samples

Womens Vneck t-shirt size

As you may be aware, many MNU members are now required to sign a declaration for COVID-19 self-screening, prior to reporting to work.  We are advising members that have yet to sign the self-assessment declaration to include the following note:

“I AM SIGNING THIS UNDER DURESS AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO MY RIGHTS UNDER THE COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT.”

Following weeks of delay, the Pallister government today announced the terms of the new ‘Risk Recognition’ Program. Despite what was announced, it appears that the vast majority of Manitoba’s nurses will not be included in the program.

All nursing classifications are listed as eligible, however, the criteria and income thresholds set by the government exclude the vast majority of nurses. Only a small number of part-time LPNs appear to be eligible, and only if they work significantly less than full time. All RNs, RPNs, NPs, and all full-time nurses appear to be completely shut out.

As the health care system prepares for and responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, many steps are being taken to ensure adequate staffing levels in facilities across the province. This includes measures that are designed to an ensure effective response by allowing employers to redeploy staff to areas of highest need, and still respect the terms of the existing collective agreements and provide for additional compensation to affected staff as required.

Please be advised a Memorandum of Agreement has been reached regarding the redeployment of staff within or between employers. This agreement has been reached with multiple health care unions, including MNU. Click here to read a draft copy of the MOA.

Specifically, the MOA is intended to provide clarity to members regarding the terms of a temporary transfer situation. Please note the MOA is now in effect and will continue in the event a public health emergency or disaster is declared by the government. As per point two (2) of the MOA, members will be continued to be protected by the terms of their collective agreement and the MOA in the event of an emergency declaration.

The MOA ensures that all MNU members will be afforded financial protection and compensation for disruptions related to a temporary transfer. For example, affected staff will receive a work disruption allowance, including for situations where the change in commuting distance is less than 49 kilometres. Additional protections include guarantees for meals and accommodations as required, and reimbursement for mileage at a rate commensurate with the terms of the collective agreement. Please read the MOA for more information.

At this time, the provincial government continues to advise that the risk to Manitobans remains low, and significant redeployment has not yet occurred. However, this remains a rapidly changing situation, and therefore every measure must be taken to ensure employers and staff are prepared for redeployments as necessary.

On behalf of MNU, we thank you for your commitment to caring during this difficult time. The health care system needs you, and Manitobans are counting on us to be part of an effective response. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated, and the union representatives will be available to assist you as required.

MOA Redeployment of Staff (PDF)