Yukon Nurses Collective Agreement: What it Means for Nurses in the Province
The Yukon Nurses Collective Agreement (YNCA) is an important document outlining the terms and conditions of employment for registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, and licensed practical nurses working in the Yukon Territory.
The YNCA is negotiated between the Yukon Hospital Corporation (YHC), the Yukon Employees Union (YEU), and the Yukon Registered Nurses Association (YRNA) every three years. The most recent agreement was reached in 2019 and will expire on March 31, 2022.
The YNCA covers a wide range of topics, including wages, benefits, job security, hours of work, and professional development. Here are some of the key provisions of the current agreement:
Wages: The YNCA provides for annual wage increases over the life of the agreement. In 2019, nurses received a 2% increase, followed by 1.75% in 2020 and 2% in 2021. The agreement also includes a market adjustment in 2021 for certain classifications of nurses.
Benefits: Nurses covered by the YNCA are entitled to a range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, disability insurance, and a pension plan.
Job security: The YNCA includes provisions for layoff and recall rights, as well as severance pay in the event of a layoff. Nurses also have the right to refuse unsafe work.
Hours of work: The agreement sets out the maximum hours of work per week for nurses, as well as provisions for overtime pay and scheduling. Nurses are entitled to a minimum of 10 hours off between shifts.
Professional development: The YNCA provides for opportunities for nurses to attend continuing education courses, conferences, and workshops. The agreement also includes a provision for a professional development fund.
In addition to these provisions, the YNCA also includes language related to workplace safety, harassment and discrimination, and leaves of absence.
Overall, the YNCA is an important document that helps ensure fair and consistent treatment of nurses in the Yukon Territory. It provides for competitive wages and benefits, as well as important protections for job security and workplace safety.
As the 2022 expiration date approaches, negotiations for a new agreement will begin. Nurses in the Yukon can expect to see continued advocacy from their union and association to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met in the next collective agreement.