N.B. government signs collective agreement with nurses’ union to increase wages

The Government of New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Nurses Union have signed a new collective agreement which includes increased wages.

The union, which represents more than 9,000 nurses, includes registered nurses, nurse practitioners and licensed practical nurses working in hospitals, health programs, Ambulance NB and other programs in the province.

“Nurses play a critical role in caring for New Brunswickers each and every day,” said Premier Susan Holt. “We are excited to follow through on our promise to sign a new collective agreement with over 9,000 nurses in the province to show our respect and appreciation for their service. I want to thank every nurse in the province for their contribution to our health-care system.”

The wage increase of 12.5 per cent was included in the agreement, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024. Additionally, extra pay for weekend, evening and night shifts has been retroactively increased.

The agreement also includes a working group to be established to review issues related to nurse staffing and nurse-to-patient ratio to help improve working conditions.

“We are so pleased to be able to celebrate this new contract with the nurses today,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy. “Both parties worked extremely hard to reach this deal that is reflective of the important role that these employees play in our health-care and long-term care systems.”

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