Size and scope

• The Manitoba Nurses' Union (MNU) was founded by nurses on October 15, 1975.
• We represent about 11,000 members comprised of Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Licensed Practicing Nurses and Operating Room Technicians.
• We represent about 97% of unionized nurses in the province.

Organization

• Members are organized into Local or Worksite units that represent nurses at that particular site such as hospitals, personal care homes and other agencies. These locals fall under one of eleven Regional Health Authorities in Manitoba.
• The union is headed by a Board of Directors elected from eleven regions. The MNU’s democratic structure provides all members with voting privileges.

Relationships

• The MNU has membership in: the Canadian Federation of Nurses' Unions, the Manitoba Council of Health Care Unions and the Canadian Labour Congress.
• The union liaises with these registering and licensing bodies: College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba, and the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba.

The Yellow Ribbon

• The yellow ribbon was originally used as a symbol in the fight nurses successfully waged to keep emergency rooms open in 1995. It continues to be a symbol of our role as advocates for quality health care and our power, motivation and commitment to the cause.