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The Core Purpose
It is the organization's reason for being. It is the most fundamental reason for your organization's existence.
The Core Purpose of BCNU
To promote and protect the socioeconomic well-being of our members and their communities.
Core Values
Define the "soul" of an organization. They are the essential, timeless, guiding principles.
The Core Values of BCNU
- collectivity
- honesty - integrity
- equality
- caring, compassion, social justice
- democracy - participative, member driven
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The Core Beliefs of BCNU
- We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with honesty, integrity, courtesy and respect
- We believe in every person's right to equality regardless of gender, race, creed, colour, sexual orientation and physical ability.
- We believe that every person has the right to participate in decisions about their own health and the delivery of health services in Canada.
- We believe that all workers have the right to belong to a union and to free collective bargaining.
- We believe that every member has the right and responsibility to participate in the affairs of the union.
- We believe that as part of the labour community, we have all the rights and responsibilities inherent therein.
- We believe that all workers have the right to expect that their socioeconomic welfare will be safeguarded and promoted.
- We believe that all workers are entitled to a healthy and safe workplace.
- We believe that as a union predominantly comprised of women, we must take a leadership role in addressing issues of particular concern to women.
- We believe that all health care workers have the right and responsibility to participate in health care decision making.
- We believe in the five principles of the Canada Health Act: universality, public administration, comprehensiveness, accessible, and portability.
- We believe that social determinants impact health and well-being.
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The History & Make-Up of the BCNU
The British Columbia Nurses' Union was officially founded in February 1981. But its roots are firmly planted in the struggles of the past.
The Graduate Nurses' Association of B.C. was launched in 1912 and immediately began fighting for quality healthcare, decent working conditions, and benefits like the eight-hour day. In 1946, the Registered Nurses Association of B.C. (RNABC) won its first certification, at Vancouver's St. Paul's Hospital. In 1959, the first province-wide bargaining occurred, resulting in a two-year contract with medical and pension benefits.
Then, in 1980, provincial government nurses went on strike for two weeks and won a 40% increase over three years; general hospital nurses voted 90% in favour of a strike and won a 49% increase, over 27 months, in wages and benefits.The BCNU was born the following year, during a special convention of the RNABC Labour Relations Division. Today, the BCNU represents 23,000 members under a number of collective agreements. The membership is divided into sixteen separate regions, and includes registered and licensed graduate nurses. The voting body at our annual convention consists of elected delegates from each region and the 25 members of the BCNU Council. These nurses are responsible for establishing key policy directions, bylaws, and the constitution that governs the Union's actions.
The Council is central to the operation of our member-driven organization. It's composed of elected reps from all ten regions, steward reps from the three main bargaining groups, the president, vice-president, treasurer, and executive councilors. Council meets regularly to plan and manage BCNU business, and to set policy. The Council has developed BCNU's strategic objectives for serving members.
Council also develops and administers the Union's annual budget reports to the annual convention on the Union's financial status, and authorizes all new staff positions. |
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