NBA Retiree Benefit Program Bolsters LPN Representation

The Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) Retiree Benefit Program (RBP) Committee has expanded with the addition of two licensed practical nurse (LPN) committee positions. The new positions were created following a governance review conducted by the committee to identify options to increase LPN representation.

The review follows negotiated RBP funding for LPNs that came into effect on April 1, 2024. The review determined that one position on the RBP Committee be allocated to a retired LPN member and the other to an active LPN member. BCNU Council has appointed North East regional council member Danette Thomsen as the committee’s active LPN member.

Retired LPN members wishing to serve on the RBP Committee are invited to file an expression of interest by visiting the Retiree Benefit Program webpage and submitting a form no later than Jan. 14, 2025 at 12:00 noon PST. BCNU will review all applications received and contact shortlisted candidates for interviews.

The successful applicant will serve alongside eight committee representatives appointed by BCNU and one representative appointed by the Health Sciences Association. Committee work includes monitoring RBP fund investments, determining member benefits, reviewing appeals and overseeing service providers contracted to administer the program. The committee meets a minimum of four times a year at BCNU’s head office in Burnaby.

LPN members may email RBP@bcnu.org with any questions about the RBP. All BCNU members are encouraged to share this information with retired LPNs who may wish to submit an expression of interest.

The RBP is a negotiated entitlement available to qualified retired members. Its purpose is to provide retired members with better retirement benefits and inflation protection. The program is funded exclusively from the one percent market adjustment of payroll collected through the Health Employers Association of BC and transferred to BCNU on behalf of the NBA. Future benefits and funding of the RBP are not guaranteed. The RBP Committee administers the contributed funds in accordance with the RBP plan text.