Presidents Message

Welcome to the new PEINU website!

Another year has passed and I thank everyone for their ongoing support. As your President,my focus continues to be on the promotion of issues that affect the work-lives of Nurses across the Island. Nurses are being asked to work more overtime than ever before. They are feeling the pressure to work above their present guarantees, to support their colleagues and the health system. Nurses are finding it difficult to get time off, regardless of the reason for needing this. Nurses are trying to find a balance between work-life and family. Nursing shortages and the current health care system are making this very difficult.

We have finally settled our collective agreement and even though for the first time in twenty years this was acheived through binding arbitration, we now have a fair and competitive agreement. There have been new retention incentives introduced that will benefit not only our "spicey" nurses but all nurses within the system. 

As your President, I continue to watch for opportunities to advance our concerns and issues.  Part of my role is to ensure that these concerns/issues are recognized by the public, the employer and government.  Sometimes we may not realize that the challenges that we are facing, are common across the Island and the country.

The website is easy to navigate and provides a variety of information specific to PEINU, and as well links to other provincial/ national unions and health organizations. We  have a “members only” section that allows for us to provide more sensitive information for PEINU members. There has been a steady increase of visits to the site and we hope this continues to be an avenue for us to provide and you to access union related information.

I am hoping that by increasing the visibility of the Union, more members will develop an interest and decide to become involved. There are many opportunities available by making this choice.  Although the President is viewed as the Leader of the Union, having active members that help provide direction is the key to strengthening our Union. We all have a part to play if we wish to work in an environment that is supportive and promotes the advancement of the Nursing profession.

Thanks for your ongoing support.
Barbara Brookins

- updated May 11/09