Canadian Nurses Join First Global Nurses United-Coordinated Day of Action

OTTAWA, Sept. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - September 17 has been declared a Global Day of Action, and nurses are again on the frontlines.

Unionized nurses around the world are taking action through Global Nurses United (GNU), an exciting new network that formed earlier this year. In at least 10 countries, including Canada, nurses are holding events as part of a larger global Day of Action.

"These coordinated actions mark a historic moment for nurses," said Linda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions. "Global Nurses United was formed to highlight the key issues of human rights, patient care and safe staffing - these are issues of concern to nurses around the world."

"On September 17, nurses in Alberta will be wearing white and holding a rally to show our support for issues facing nurses around the world," said Heather Smith, President of the United Nurses of Alberta." We are seeing the impacts on the frontlines and nurses need to speak out."

"We all need to step up the fight against the harmful effects of austerity measures that are putting people and communities at risk across the planet," concludes Silas.

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions

contact Anil Naidoo, Government Relations,
Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions: 613-986-5409 (cell)