Persistent concerns about safety, security, and violence within workplaces and professional practice continue to be reported by SUN Members. Sound and reliable collective agreement articles and processes exist to address them with Labour Relations and Professional Practice.

The following information and recommendations support SUN Members and Locals in finding action and solutions. 

CFNU Member Survey Summary Report (2025) reported that 59% of respondents from across Canada have experienced violence or abuse in the past year, with a significant response of 68% by SUN Members. The most common types of violence are verbal and physical from patients and families. A concerning 1 in 3 respondents feared repercussions for reporting OH&S concerns or work-related violence and abuse.

 

What Members Need to Know

  • There is no collective agreement article, standard, indicator, competency, or ethical responsibility that states registered nurses should accept abuse, injury, or assault by patients, visitors, or others.

  • Members can address their workplace concerns through identification, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and finding solutions using their collective agreement.

  • The most appropriate collective agreement process(es) will be used to address the root cause concerns identified by a Member. 

SUN Provincial supports Members through your Local Executive, SUN Board of Directors, Labour Relations Officers, and Nurse Practice Officers.

 

How Locals and Members Can Create Change

  • Members must report and document safety, security, and violence concerns to their Manager/designate, Local President, and Occupational Health & Safety Representatives.

  • Review Employer policy, procedure, and emergency management plans to know whom, and how to appropriately report and address safety and security concerns.

  • Involve your Labour Relations Officer in ongoing safety and security concerns not resolved at a Local level, and arrange for:

    • Union-Management Meeting, and/or

    • Occupational Health & Safety Committee Meeting.

  • When safety and security issues are reported as part of patient safety in Work Situation Reports, the Nursing Advisory Committee Chairperson and Local President can collaborate to develop an action plan to address the root cause, using the right collective agreement process(es).

  • Ensure that you have an Occupational Health & Safety Representative as part of your Local.

  • Ensure that you have an active Occupational Health & Safety Committee with your Employer.

 

Learning Resources

 

Whom to Contact

  • Local President: Your Local President is your collective agreement and professional practice expert in your working environment.

  • Labour Relations Officer: Your LRO at SUN Provincial is your labour relations expert assigned to Locals to support, advise, and protect Member interests using the collective agreement.

  • Nurse Practice Officer: Your NPO at SUN Provincial is your professional practice expert assigned to Locals to support, advise, and assist regarding patient safety and professional obligations.

Labour Relations Officer (LRO) & Nurse Practice Officer (NPO) servicing assignments can be found on the SUN website, or you can contact one of the SUN Provincial offices at: