VON Nurses Vote in Favour of New Agreement

December 18, 2023

Halifax, NS - Members of the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union employed by the Victorian Order of Nurses have voted in favour of a five-year contract that will include improvements in wages, premiums, safety, and work-life balance. 

“We call our VON members road warriors because they’re in their cars and on the road, regardless of the weather, providing care to clients in their homes. They face many of the same issues experienced by nurses in other areas of care, but also challenges that are unique to their practice. While bargaining for our VON member we considered their uniqueness and their value to the communities in which they work,” says Janet Hazelton, president of the NSNU.

Voting on the agreement took place from December 8th until noon today. Approximately 87 per cent of those who voted cast ballots in favour of the new agreement. 

Aside from a wage package that’s competitive with acute care, this agreement provides safety protocols that ensure their employer is aware of their location/whereabouts overnight, increases to the late career retention bonus and retiree recruitment incentive. The contract contains many new articles, new language that will help retain and recruit nurses to this sector.

The NSNU represents over 900 LPNs and RNs working in the community. These nurses had been without a contract since October 31st, 2020. The new collective agreement will expire October 31st, 2025. 

 
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For more information please contact:

Coleen Logan, NSNU Communications Officer

902-430-6169 | coleen.logan [at] nsnu.ca