As a member of the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union, what do you do if another union takes job action or goes on strike? What are your roles, responsibilities and rights when your co-workers in another bargaining unit head to the picket line?

If strike or job action occurs, the NSNU will be in communication with you during those difficult times. We will update the NSNU website as often as necessary. Staff and provincially elected representatives will be available to keep you informed.

If you have questions or concerns, we recommend that you first contact your Local Executive members for guidance and advice. However, we encourage you to contact nsnu.office [at] nsnu.ca if you are still unclear about any aspect of the situation.

The NSNU takes the position that our nurses will not work, and cannot legally be compelled to work, on a unit that was not staffed by NSNU members immediately prior to the strike or lockout.

Further, NSNU nurses will not perform other bargaining unit work, except where the nurses, in his/her professional judgement, deems it necessary to maintain the patient's immediate health and safety.

NSNU's Position on Strikes by Another Union