This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Julie Lackner, one of MNU’s dedicated Labour Relations Officers (LROs) and the go-to person for Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) issues.

For the past four and a half years, Julie has been a fierce advocate for nurses, currently covering Home Care 97, CNS 134, Pan Am 135, and Regional Programs 153. Her diverse experience and passion for keeping nurses safe are what make her an invaluable resource for our members. And given the current working conditions in healthcare, workplace safety and health is more important than ever before.

From Nurse to Advocate

Julie’s roots in nursing run deep—she’s been a nurse since 1993 and has been involved with the union every step of the way. From serving as Regional President and Board member for WRHA Community to earning credentials in Labour Relations, Human Resources, and Disability Management, Julie’s expertise goes beyond the basics. “It was time to leave frontline nursing behind,” Julie recalls. “I joined MNU as a Labour Relations Officer just before the pandemic hit in January 2020.” Since then, she’s been on the frontlines of advocacy, always pushing for fair treatment and safer workplaces for nurses.

A Focus on Safety

Julie’s role as the lead for MNU’s WSH portfolio means she’s on the frontline of addressing our members’ safety concerns, and her mission is to ensure members feel protected. A big part of Julie’s work involves connecting with worksites to address these concerns, as well as participating in joint committee meetings, and educating nurses to make sure they know their rights and how to stand up for them.

Know Your Rights

Julie’s number one tip for members? Educate yourself. “Know your collective agreement and use the tools you have to bring concerns forward,” she emphasizes. Whether it’s safety, your rights, or other concerns, knowledge is power, and Julie is your go-to LRO to help members navigate those challenges.

Off the Clock

When Julie’s not busy advocating for members, you can find her getting her hands dirty with manual labour—yard work, home renovations, you name it. And when the work is done, she loves unwinding on her boat during the summer weekends.

Have a Safety Concern?

If you have a WSH concern or question, please reach out to Julie at jlackner@manitobanurses.ca. For support with all other workplace issues, please contact your LRO. If you’re unsure of your LRO or local/worksite, use our LRO & Local/Worksite Locator tool.