Stewards Leading the way

BCNU stewards are at the heart of every strong health-care workplace. 

These member leaders provide on-the-ground support, ensuring nurses get the respect they deserve. 

Stewards lead their peers in creating and maintaining a supportive work environment. They are on the frontlines, advocating for, mentoring and educating members about their workplace rights. Stewards also maintain critical lines of communication between BCNU members and their elected leaders, working together to address concerns, resolve grievances and uphold a healthy, collaborative work culture. 

BCNU holds steward elections every three years. A new three-year term begins Sept. 1, 2025. Stewards play key leadership roles in the union, and their election by peers embodies the member-driven values and democratic principles that BCNU is founded on. Update Magazine has the scoop for members who want to get involved in this year’s Steward elections. 

PUT YOUR HAND UP!

BCNU West Kootenay regional council member Shalane Wesnoski knows firsthand that stewards lead the way in their workplaces. As a steward, she filed many grievances on behalf of her colleagues before successfully running to represent her region on council. 

She currently chairs the Member Engagement and Steward Recruitment and Retention (MESRR) Committee, which oversees the steward election process. “When I first started as a steward, I took the Steward Essentials course, the first in a series of education opportunities that help stewards understand how to uphold the collective agreement,” says Wesnoski. “I quickly learned that knowing more about my rights as a worker and how grievances and union-management meetings could go a long way to resolve workplace issues. 

“Whether it’s addressing staffing issues, preventing violence or fixing pay discrepancies, stewards help to keep the employer accountable to our contract,” she says. 

Wesnoski wants members considering becoming stewards to know that BCNU is here to support them and help them grow into the role. 

“I have heard members say that becoming a steward can be intimidating. But stewards have access to ongoing education and training to support them in their role,” says Wesnoski. Starting at the basics of collective agreement interpretation and working up to the advanced leadership theory, stewards can access free courses and ongoing education throughout their tenure. 

According to Wesnoski, the most essential quality in a prospective steward is having a strong motivation to improve their workplace – even if they don’t know exactly how to do that yet. 

“The first step to becoming a steward is being willing to improve your workplace for you, your colleagues and your patients,” she says. “We ask stewards to lead, but they don’t get there without education and mentorship.” 

For stewards, leadership is more than just a concept; it’s a commitment to taking consistent action. “At one time or another, a steward has likely helped resolve a problem in your workplace,” says Wesnoski. “Hundreds of stewards are leading the way across the province. Why not put your hand up to join them to make health care and your workplace better?” 

Portrait of a Steward 

Rob Labelle 

Thompson North Okanagan region steward Rob Labelle has been nursing for over 25 years. He stepped into a steward role just over four years ago to help fill a leadership gap in his workplace. Since then, he has continued to lead the way for his fellow members. 

When did you become a BCNU steward? 

In January 2021. 

What motivated you to become a steward? 

During the pandemic, I recognized a void at our hospital. We lacked a steward dedicated solely to our site. I saw my colleagues struggling and figured becoming a steward would be a good way to help. 

What is your greatest strength as a steward? 

My attention to detail and process. I have a degree in political science which helps, but members from any background can make good stewards. 

What do you value most in your steward role? 

Being a part of solving problems and working through issues. 

What was your favourite BCNU steward education course and why? 

I enjoyed all the job action modules. They got me thinking about how to plan and help coordinate future job action at my worksite in case of an impasse in contract negotiations. 

How has BCNU supported you as a steward? 

My regional team is exceptional. I feel like they always have my back. 

What has surprised you most about the steward role? 

How challenging it is to interpret the contract and provide accurate information to members. Any given issue may have multiple case-specific variables that are hard to reduce to a definitive conclusion. Reaching out to fellow stewards and your labour relations officer is essential. 

What is your most memorable or rewarding experience as a steward? 

One time, I helped a co-worker who, through no fault of their own, was denied recognition for their years of service after moving here. The employer placed them back at the bottom of the pay scale despite 20 years on the job. The individual eventually quit in frustration, but through perseverance and the steadfastness of our labour relations officer, we were able to have them re-hired with full back pay. 

What would you say to a member who is considering the steward role? 

Protect your time. Set boundaries with your colleagues around availability, time commitments and means of communication. 

Christine Nesbitt 

Pacific Rim region member Christine Nesbitt is a new steward with over 14 years of experience in nursing. According to Nesbitt, her union has always been there when she needed it. 

When did you become a BCNU steward? 

In December 2023. 

What motivated you to become a steward? 

My workplace went through some very tough times over the last 10 years. We had no support for our members and an employer who would not work collaboratively with BCNU. However, following a positive change in our management team, I decided to become a steward to help rebuild and foster the relationship between my employer and my union. 

What is your greatest strength as a steward? 

My ability to proactively educate our members and the employer about upholding the collective agreement. It’s helped to develop a more harmonious work environment. 

What do you value most in your steward role? 

Helping our members and gaining my co-workers’ trust. 

What was your favourite BCNU steward education course and why? 

Steward Intermediate was fun and interactive. I need to always feel like I am progressing in my steward role. 

How has BCNU supported you as a steward? 

BCNU is always there when I need them. I have a fabulous steward mentor. She always points me in the right direction. 

What has surprised you most about the steward role? 

The sense of family that I have discovered among my fellow stewards. You never feel that you’re on your own. 

What is your most memorable or rewarding experience as a steward? 

I have fostered a positive workplace relationship between my employer and my union. This atmosphere has lifted our members’ morale. 

What would you say to a member who is considering the steward role? 

Start slow. Look for every opportunity to learn. It will help you understand the collective agreement and the steward’s role. 

Ashley Sandhu 

South Fraser Valley steward Ashley Sandhu is a new nurse, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to get more involved. Shortly after entering the workforce in 2023, she decided to lead the way at Peace Arch Hospital. 

When did you become a BCNU steward? 

In March 2024.

What motivated you to become a steward? 

I am passionate about inspiring young nurses to get more involved. 

What is your greatest strength as a steward?

I am always determined to find the answer to any question that comes my way. 

What do you value most in your steward role? 

Helping members understand their collective agreement and seeing them advocate for their rights. 

What was your favourite BCNU steward education course and why? 

Steward Essentials is an excellent introduction to becoming a steward and helped me develop a good foundation of knowledge. 

How has BCNU supported you as a steward? 

The support is endless. There is a surplus of mentorship and professional development opportunities. I am deeply grateful to my site steward team, the South Fraser Valley executive team and the full-time stewards for all their support and guidance! 

What has surprised you most about the steward role? 

You are never alone. Just like nursing, being a steward is a team effort. 

What is your most memorable or rewarding experience as a steward? 

Organizing fun events for members to connect and engage. 

What would you say to a member who is considering the steward role? 

If you are driven to make a positive impact, join us in making a difference.