Responding to inaccurate (and sometimes intemperate) statements
We have received requests from BCNU LPN Associates to respond to inaccurate information emerging from other unions. We hope these points are useful as LPNs discuss which union will best represent them in the future.
BCNU believes nurses will be better served by being unified into the same organization. Then nurses will have greater strength to negotiate gains and advocate for the quality work environments they deserve to support professional practices.
Fiction #1
LPN scope of practice will be reduced to favour BCNU’s RNs.
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Fact
The scope of practice for LPNs is determined by provincial legislation and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC – not BCNU.
BCNU has no authority to determine the scope of practice for any nurse. Scopes of practice for RNs, LPNs, RPNs, and Nurse Practitioners are determined by provincial government legislation and their respective colleges.
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Fiction #2
Once LPNs join, BCNU will send LPNs back to the ‘dark ages’ of nursing practice. LPN roles will be reduced through collective bargaining. |
Fact
The strength of any union is built upon strong relationships – that’s real solidarity. It makes no sense for us to fracture those relationships by bargaining gains for one group at the expense of another. Taking things from one group to give to another is not the way BCNU operates.
LPNs are currently members of our union. They enjoy strong relationships with RNs at their facilities and in our wider membership.
BCNU negotiates some of the best collective agreements in healthcare. In the midst of the biggest economic meltdown since the 1940’s BCNU just bargained a two year extension to our provincial agreement with annual wage increases of 3%. That’s how a sophisticated organization makes progress for members.
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Fiction #3
LPNs will lose their wages, benefits, pensions and seniority if they decide to move to BCNU. |
Fact
When LPNs move to BCNU everything they have moves with them. LPNs keep their collective agreement and all their conditions of employment (seniority, benefits, pension, wages, etc.)
What LPNs bring with them becomes BCNU’s starting point to make improvements.
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