What is a Collective Agreement?

A Collective Agreement is a written, binding contract between the Union and the employer, which specifies the terms and conditions of employment. The Manitoba Nurses Union continually strives for better working conditions, wages and benefits by negotiating new Collective Agreements.

Some of the ways our collective agreements support us:

• Allow nurses to document unsafe patient care through Workload Staffing Reports;
• Ensure nurses have input into decision-making regarding patient care through Nursing Advisory Committees;
• Protect members' rights and defend against unfair disciplinary measures through the Grievance Procedure;
• Ensure the rights of part-time and casual nurses (Part-time nurses receive the same benefits as full-time on a pro-rata basis. Casual nurses receive protection under a clause specific to their position);
• Provide income protection through a Long-term Disability Plan;
• Ensure laid-off nurses receive five years' protection through Recall Rights;
• Provide the highest Academic Allowances in Canada for nurses who pursue a post-basic nursing education;
• Protect members from discriminatory layoffs through the use of fixed seniority rights;
• Address occupational health and safety concerns, including nurse abuse.