Each year on Labour Day, Canadians reflect on all the good Unions do to build a better, safer and more equal society. This year, however, I want to take a moment – a breather from all the pressures and stresses registered nurses face every single day – and remind all of you just how much your Union, SUN, cares for you.
I know sometimes it feels like we are asking the world of you – especially in recent years, as our province’s health system undergoes one of the biggest transformations we have seen in decades.
Saskatchewan’s patients and families have always looked to registered nurses for answers and leadership during times of change and this sometimes can feel like a heavy burden to bear. This is why I felt it was important to remind all of you that you do not have to carry this load alone. You have your Union and most importantly, you have each other to lean on every single day in your workplaces.
Solidarity is about more than just having a common interest. It’s about being there for one another in the good times and the stressful times. It’s about holding a colleague and friend up when you see them struggling. It’s about kindness, compassion and caring for each other. And, it’s about trusting in your Union and power of the collective.
A huge part of who we are and what we do as registered nurses is caring, but we need to make sure that it’s not just our patients we are caring for but ourselves and each other too. It’s so easy to forget this when our work lives are so busy and stressful.
So, this Labour Day, I ask only this of you as a SUN member: look out for each other; be kind; hold each other up when the going gets tough; and always remember you are SUN and together we are stronger.
Happy Labour Day, SUN Members.
In solidarity
Tracy Zambory, RN
President
