Getting involved in your local unit
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There are lots of ways you can get involved in building a strong union in your facility (called a “local unit”). In addition to serving in the officer roles below, you can participate in actions like rallies and pickets. You can sign petitions and share information with your fellow nurses. You can act as a representative for your unit in the facility to keep your colleagues informed and engaged.
Positions vary according to each local unit's rules. All terms of the positions listed below coincide with the length of the contract. All positions are supported by WSNA staff to help them be successful.
Local Unit Chair or Co-Chair(s)
This is the leader and coordinator of your local unit. They establish a vision for the local unit and develop action plans to deliver on that vision. They encourage activism among members and build the power needed to accomplish Local Unit goals. They keep members informed and involved.
If a facility has two Co-Chairs, they are considered equals and handle all business in a collaborative manner.
Local Unit Vice-Chair
If the unit doesn’t have Co-Chairs, they can elect a Vice-Chair, who works in collaboration with the Chair and helps support them in their work.
Local Unit Secretary
The secretary ensures that all officers and committees of the Local Unit are notified of upcoming meetings and events. The Local Unit Secretary (or designee) records minutes of the local unit meetings, local unit committee meetings and its Executive Committee meetings.
Local Unit Treasurer
This role is combined with the secretary role in some local units. The Treasurer authorizes and signs for payment of bills that have been approved by the Chair (or Co-Chairs) and keeps an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. The Treasurer provides a financial report at each meeting of the Executive Committee.
Grievance Officer
The Grievance Officer oversees contract enforcement using the grievance procedure found in the contract. The nurses in the bargaining unit (both members and non-members) will look to the Grievance Officer or designated representative for guidance in the resolution of conflicts between them and management.
Membership Officer
This important position plays a crucial role in building a strong and effective Local Unit by promoting membership and inviting nurses to become members of WSNA and get involved in their union.