HEU Guardian - Summer 2019

Guardian

THIS FALL, elect a government that will:

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES’ UNION

✓ PROTECT and expand public health care

SUMMER 2019 • VOL. 37 • NO. 2

✓ TAKE ACTION on climate change ✓ MAKE LIFE more affordable ✓ RESPECT working people

AGREEMENT NUMBER 40007486

RETURN TO The Guardian 5000 North Fraser Way Burnaby, B.C. V5J 5M3

Elaine Littmann PHOTO

✓ STAND FOR all Canadians!

Guardian HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES’ UNION

SUMMER 2019

We’re 75 years strong!

FEATURE

Summer School About 200 members attended this year’s in-residence school at UBC | 8

NEWS

WCB overhaul B.C.’s workers compensation system is under review | 3

Vote your values Canada heads to the polls this fall. Make your vote count | 5

Sexual violence

Michael YC Tseng PHOTO

Women workers demand protecion | 11

11 5 COLUMNS Viewpoint

Your union dues are invested in members like you | 6

President’s Desk

Let’s elect politicians who put people at the heart of their politics | 6

On the Job

Dorinda Nyman is an HEU member working in medical genetics | 13

When the women’s and men’s unions at Vancouver General Hospital joined forces in 1944 to form the Hospital Employees’ Federal Union-Local 180, they had no way of knowing how their struggles would shape a movement and influence the future of health care in British Columbia.

A decade-long depression, the final stages of World War II, and anti-union sentiment had all created a formidable challenge to their early organizing efforts.

But organize they did, despite intense employer intimidation.

At the time of certification, HEU represented 390 employees. And within a decade, the union grew from one VGH local to 19 locals across the province.

Throughout the late 40s and early 50s, the union not only boosted wages by 400 per cent since the 1930s, they also pioneered pension and superannuation schemes, accumulative sick leave, holiday allowances, and secured a plan for employer-paid medical coverage.

True to labour’s motto – “What we desire for ourselves, we wish for all” – HEU’s founding leaders also lobbied governments to provide health insurance to all citizens. And at its first biennial convention in 1958, delegates voted for calls to ban nuclear weapons and support South Africa’s antiapartheid movement.

These are our roots. They run deep. And they are strong.

They nurtured a union that would fight tooth and nail for its members and for public health care, organize the unorganized, and take on issues of social justice when they emerged.

Over the decades, HEU grew in numbers and strength to become the oldest, largest health care union in B.C. It took on the daunting task of organizing workers in private nursing homes, scored big wins on pay equity and job security, and organized a large number of community social services workers in the 1990s.

Amid great strides forward and severe setbacks, HEU developed a reputation for standing up to hostile governments and remaining resolute when under attack.

Amid great strides forward and severe setbacks, the union developed a reputation for standing up to hostile governments and remaining resolute, even when our right to free collective bargaining was under attack by the

Glen Erikson PHOTO

8

APRIL 10, 1992 | Thousands of HEU members converge in a rally at B.C. Place, united in their determination to win a fair contract.

Gordon Campbell Liberal government’s anti-worker legislation (Bill 29) in the early 2000s.

As public health care’s hospital support services were handed over to multinational corporations, and thousands of HEU members fired in the process, the union organized those newly contracted workers and created an independent sector that has grown to include more than 12,000 members working in contracted hospital support services and independent seniors’ care.

Determined to fight the Campbell government on all fronts, HEU scored a huge victory in 2007 when the country’s highest court ruled key provisions of Bill 29 had violated members’ constitutional rights. And for the first time,

that ruling established collective bargaining as a charter-protected right for all Canadian workers.

Last year, B.C.’s NDP government kept a long-standing promise to repeal Bill 29 and Bill 94, ending one of the union’s longest and most challenging struggles. And it opened up the potential for the repatriation of contracted services.

As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we have a lot to be proud of. We inherited a profound sense of fairness and sheer determination from those who founded HEU in 1944. Today, we are more than 50,000 members strong.

And most importantly, we are a union of workers who care, who truly are the heart of health care.

Summer 2019 | GUARDIAN 1

COMMENT Jennifer Whiteside | Secretary-Business Manager Currently, we are working with government, other unions and the Health Employers Association of B.C. to create a provincial organization focused on preventing injuries in health care.

Health and safety is our top priority Association of B.C. to create a provincial organization focused on preventing injuries in health care. That initiative was secured during facilities bargaining and will benefit all health care workers.

And this spring, our advocacy to extend the mental disorder presumption to care aides was successful. That extension means these members will now face fewer barriers to having their workers’ compensation claims accepted for work-related mental disorders.

This summer, we also focused on the Workers Compensation System Review (see p. 3), where we have called for regulatory and other changes to improve access to the claims process, direct more resources to injury prevention, and a call to ensure that injured workers are fully compensated for all the effects of the injury, including increasing benefts to 100 per cent of net income.

And I want to thank those HEU members who spoke directly to the Review’s hearing and shared their stories about how the current system has failed them.

As we head into the fall, we are also working to ensure our OH&S committee stewards are actively participating in joint OH&S committees and are supported to hold employers to their legal responsibility to provide safe, healthy work environments.

Slowly, but surely, we are making progress.

Mike Old PHOTO

THROWBACK HEU HISTORY

IT’S A CRISIS. No question about it. And HEU is using every tool we have to spur employers and government to deal with the wide range of occupational hazards that have made our members’ workplaces among the most dangerous in the province.

In 2018 alone, workers’ compensation claims in the health care sector topped more than $107 million, with those costs translating into more than 400,000 workdays lost because of injuries and illnesses.

And when you look at which classifications are most impacted, the statistics are staggering. According to WorkSafeBC, between 2014 and 2018 “nurses aides, orderlies, and patient services associates” – mostly care aides – filed more than 35 per cent of all claims recorded in the sector. At 16,000 claims, that’s more than twice the number filed by RNs and LPNs. And more than half were filed in long-term care.

In other words, our members are experiencing the brunt of the sector’s health and safety crisis most acutely. And there’s no doubt that the persistent nature of this inequity is linked to the undervaluing of work that is performed primarily by women, and a refusal to deal with the multiple risks and hazards that our members face right across the spectrum of care.

All this has made occupational health and safety an urgent priority for our union. It’s central to our political advocacy and was a cornerstone issue in facilities subsector bargaining last year. Currently, we are working with government, other unions and the Health Employers

HISTORIC ‘BATTLE IN SEATTLE’ TAKES ON GLOBAL INEQUALITY

HEU was there when more than 40,000 people from across North America, and beyond, descended on Seattle, Washington on November 30, 1999.

Confronted by a hostile police presence, they stood their ground and rallied against the World Trade Organization’s global economic policies, which threatened public services, the environment, water sustainability, and fueled inequality 2 GUARDIAN | Summer 2019

throughout the world.

Then HEU president Fred Muzin summarized the unprecedented protest in the Guardian this way: “Together, we are demanding that a civil society be restored and renewed… people are demanding a future based on values – where every person’s inherent importance is nurtured – in order to create a truly richer world.”

NEWS

Your union. Your paper.

WORKERS COMPENSATION SYSTEM REVIEW

HEU calls for fundamental changes HEU MEMBERS who have struggled to secure compensation following a job-related illness or injury are welcoming a long-awaited review of the province’s workers compensation system.

In public hearings held across the province, 12 HEU members came forward to share their personal stories and describe the devastating impact WorkSafeBC decisions have had on their lives.

Their stories detail lengthy delays for decisions and appeals, poor communication, mistakes made in initial descriptions of their injuries, and having their needs ignored or dismissed altogether.

“Workers cannot continue to be treated with disrespect and disbelief.”

“Stories from our members paint a highly disturbing picture,” says HEU secretary-business manager Jennifer Whiteside. “We’re hearing about levels of mental distress, and the loss of quality of life, that are directly related to members’ experiences in the compensation claim process.”

The B.C. government has launched the review with a goal of making the system more worker-centered.

“The biggest overall problem we see is how slow the process can be,” says HEU’s director of OH&S Georgina Hackett. “The organizational culture of WorkSafeBC needs a fundamental shift.

“Workers cannot continue to be treated with disrespect and disbelief. Change must begin with the senior leadership in their day-today actions, and must be communi-

cated to all WorkSafeBC staff.”

Her comments echo the first of 31 recommendations in HEU’s submission to the Review – a call to amend the Workers Compensation Act to create a balanced board of directors, where workers and employers have equal representation.

The workers compensation system, brought to Canada over a century ago, was designed to protect employers from legal liability for safety violations. In return for a guaranteed benefits system, workers gave up their right to sue.

“Workers are equal partners in the compensation system,” says Whiteside. “When workers’ injuries are the result of their jobs, they have a right to fair representation, and to be treated with respect.

Instead, they pay a huge price in so many different ways.”

Another key recommendation is restoring the benefits level an injured worker receives to 100 per cent of their net salary.

In 2002, the B.C. Liberal government reduced compensation benefits to 90 per cent, along with significant cuts to all aspects of the system.

“This amounts to workers paying for their injuries,” says Hackett. “It discourages claims and penalizes workers who are already suffering.”

It also reduces other future benefit amounts, such as loss of earnings and permanent impairment, as those are calculated as a percentage of compensation benefits.

The benefit cut was originally pushed as a cost-saving measure for employers, but WorkSafeBC currently boasts a $2.9 billion surplus.

Many of the additional recom-

mendations in HEU’s submission address specific policies and practices that create frustrating barriers and stressful delays.

WorkSafeBC doesn’t require phone calls from claimants to be documented. Workers have discovered months later that information they discussed with their case managers was never added to their files.

Injuries are recorded at the time

advisors and caseworkers.

“Workers often feel WorkSafeBC is invested in delaying payment, denying benefits, and dissuading workers from appealing claims,” says Hackett. “For example, when a worker’s appeal is successful, they receive retroactive benefits. But WorkSafeBC does not have to pay interest on that money. There’s no penalty to them for creating delays,

Health care workers have some of the highest injury rates of all B.C. workers.

All workers in the province

➤

Health care workers in acute care

2.2% 4.2% $107 million Workers compensation claims in the health care sector were $107,254,000

➤

Health care workers in long-term care

8%

426,920

Number of workdays lost to injury in the health care sector in 2018 Source: Workers Compensation Board 2018

of reporting, and updated diagnoses from specialists, or injuries that develop over time, are often rejected.

Employers are not held sufficiently accountable for accommodating workers who return to light duties or need to be moved to a different job.

And there’s a lack of accountability at all levels for decisions made

by WorkSafeBC reviewers, medical

even if they are shown to have made an incorrect decision.”

The cost to the worker making the claim can be enormous, in lost wages and benefits, and mental and physical pain and stress.

The Review’s final report is expected to be delivered to Minister of Labour Harry Bains in late September.

between the ages of 19 and 30, to learn about political action and the labour movement.

Camp Jubilee is located in the scenic Indian Arm on Vancouver’s North Shore. Besides course work, delegates from across the province also participated in a variety

of outdoor activities.

Since engaging young workers is essential to the health of unions and communities, this year’s emphasis was on building skills related to the labour movement, as well as political and community organizing, and leadership training.

ELAINE LITTMANN

YOUR UNION HEU’s advocacy for seniors wins awards In June, HEU was honoured with two Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) awards at their Winnipeg conference.

Selected by a panel of judges, both awards recognized the union’s fearless advocacy work to improve conditions in seniors’ care.

HEU won Best Campaign for the union’s fightback against contract-flipping at the Madison and Lakeshore care homes in Coquitlam.

And the Morden Lazarus prize – which recognizes the best editorial, column or opinion piece

that thoughtfully argues labour’s position on an issue – went to HEU secretary-business manager Jennifer Whiteside for her Province newspaper op-ed that linked low wages and contract-flipping to the care aide recruitment.

Young worker school promotes activism In late spring, 10 HEU members attended the popular Young Worker School at Camp Jubilee, organized by the B.C. Federation of Labour.

Held June 14-16, the goal was to bring together union activists,

Summer 2019 | GUARDIAN 3

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Unionized workers now protected WHEN WORKERS CHOOSE to unionize, they expect to bargain improvements to their terms and conditions of employment.

This expectation is completely reasonable. There’s strength in numbers. And collective bargaining, backed by the threat of job action, is a powerful tool.

But until recently, unionized workers faced a unique challenge in bargaining. Unlike non-union workers, they were excluded from many of the protections of the Employment Standards Act. The Employment Standards Act is legislation that sets minimum standards of compensation and conditions of employment. The intention is to create a statutory floor to protect workers from exploitative employers.

Unfortunately, in 2002, the BC Liberals introduced a major setback for unionized workers.

Unlike non-union workers, unionized workers would not be protected by many employment standards, including rules around hours of work, overtime, vacation and lay-off notice.

This meant there was no longer anything preventing employers from trying to bargain terms and conditions of employment below the standards that applied to all other workers in B.C. Anti-union employers could use the exemption to punish workers who unionized, and bargaining teams had no guarantee they could, in fact, improve their pre-certification terms and conditions of employment. They were required to use their collective strength to even reach provincial minimums.

Fortunately, this changed in May 2019 when the BC NDP government amended the Employment Standards Act. Now, collective agreements must meet or exceed the requirements of the Act. This will make a huge difference to members at the bargaining table, who will no longer have to worry about bargaining below provincial minimums. And now, unionized workers can focus their strength on bargaining improvements.

KAITY COOPER

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Do I get time off to vote?

Your entitlement depends on your hours of work THIS FALL, Canadians will head to the polls to exercise our democratic right to vote in the 2019 federal election. We’ll be electing Members of Parliament (MPs) in ridings across the country to represent our interests in Ottawa.

And each time an election rolls around, HEU members ask about their right to paid time off work to vote.

According to the Canada Elections Act, all eligible voters “must have three consecutive hours to cast their vote on election day. If your hours of work do not allow for three consecutive hours to vote, your employer must give you time off… Your employer has the right to decide when the time off will be given.”

Since health care is a 24/7 industry, most HEU members work various shifts in a scheduled rotation. For those working standard eight-hour shifts, your work schedule generally permits you to have at least three consecutive hours clear of employment – before or after your shift – in order to vote.

Therefore, your employer does not have to grant paid time off.

If, however, you work extended hours or have a later shift start time, and you do not have three consecutive hours before the

polls open or close, then you are entitled to paid time off – at the discretion of your employer.

For example: If your polling station is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and you work 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., you are legally entitled to one paid hour off work to vote. Your employer may choose to give you one hour at the start or end of your shift, meaning

“If your hours of work do not allow for three consecutive hours to vote, your employer must give you time off… Your employer has the right to decide when the time off will be given.” you would report to work either at 11 a.m. or leave work early at 5 p.m.

Make sure you have your voter registration card and government-issued photo ID like a driver’s licence, and/or two documents with your name and mailing address on them when you go to the polling station.

Visit https://www.elections.ca/ for more information.

BRENDA WHITEHALL

YOUR UNION Get your PRIDE on!

Although June is official Pride Month in Canada, HEU members have been participating in Pride festivities across the province

4 GUARDIAN | Summer Fall/Winter 2019 2018

throughout the entire summer, and will continue into the fall.

At several Pride parades, HEU members – along with their families and friends – have been proudly waving HEU rainbow flags and fans in a show of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

For decades, HEU has supported Pride events to show its commitment to promoting dignity, respect and human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the workplace, in our communities, and in our families.

It’s also a way to celebrate how far we’ve come, while remembering that transphobia, homophobia

and biphobia are still all too common for many LGBTQ+ people, here in B.C. and around the world.

Upcoming events include: New Westminster Pride Week (August 10-17), Kamloops Pride Parade (August 25), Kootenay Pride Parade (September 1), and Elk Valley Pride Festival (October 8-13). Check HEU’s website for more details.

Welcome, new HEU members!

This summer, approximately 400 health care workers at four longterm care facilities and one com-

munity living society made HEU their union of choice.

HEU welcomes new members from Village at Mill Creek, Chartwell at Malaspina Care Residence, Cranbrook Society for Community Living, Compass Marquise at Brocklehurst Gemstone and Residences at Morgan Heights. These workplaces are in communities across the province from Nanaimo to Cranbrook.

Staff at these work sites provide direct and non-direct care and support services, including care aides, activity aides, licensed practical nurses, dietary aides, clerical

The greatest way to defend democracy is to make it work.

TOMMY DOUGLAS, Politician, minister and first leader of the NDP

FEDERAL ELECTION 2019

Vote your values. Vote health care.

WHEN ONTARIO’S Conservative Premier Doug Ford got the news that Alberta had just elected the United Conservative Party’s Jason Kenney, he declared, “We just see a blue wave going across this country from west to east.”

Indeed, seven out of 10 provinces now have a conservative or conservative-leaning government.

And those provinces are rolling out health care reforms, the most prominent being Ontario’s muchcriticized health care restructuring.

The outcome of this fall’s federal election will determine whether our universal health care system can survive those who seek to erode Canada’s most cherished public program.

And Pharmacare is a linchpin issue. Here’s why.

Our current patchwork of coverage leaves millions of Canadians falling through the cracks.

The BC Health Coalition reports that one in four people don’t fill their prescriptions because they can’t afford to.

And prescription drugs are costing the system billions.

Against this backdrop, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has pledged a new deal for health care that includes Pharmacare for everyone by 2020 and will strengthen Medicare to cover dental care, eye care and mental health care within 10 years.

The NDP’s Pharmacare plan is projected to save families – even those with insurance – $500 a year on average and will use bulk-buying to undercut inflated prescription costs.

When launching the plan, Singh

talked about the need to stand up to the pharmaceutical industry and insurance companies, who currently influence drug pricing, and criticized the Trudeau Liberal government’s Pharmacare approach for putting those companies “in the driver’s seat.”

HEU members see the damage done when people with manageable or preventable medical conditions can’t get the drugs they need when they need them.

According to a 2016 Canadian Community Health Survey, people going without treatment due to the cost of medication amounted to 303,000 additional doctor visits, 93,000 visits to the emergen-

assistants, housekeepers, registered nurses, cooks, and more.

For more information about joining HEU, contact the union’s organizing department by email at organizing@heu.org, or phone the Provincial Office at 604-4385000 or toll-free at 1-800-6635813. All calls are strictly confidential.

ing – sponsored by the health authority – where they networked with one another, and heard from a variety of speakers on topics related to the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

The 8th Annual Physiotherapist and Rehabilitation Assistant Day of Education was also in part sponsored by the union.

HEU regional vice-president Sara Mann, a rehab assistant at Eagle Ridge Hospital, teamed up with HEU representative Naomi Inglehart, who used to work as a rehab assistant and activity worker at Surrey Memorial, to host a meet-and-greet table

Rehab assistants network at regional gathering In early June, HEU rehab assistants from across Fraser Health took part in a day-long gather-

cy department, and about 26,000 admissions to hospital.

And Canada remains the only nation with a universal public health care system that doesn’t cover prescription medication.

Earlier this year, the final report from the government’s own Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare called for a universal, single-payer, public Pharmacare program. And they estimated that, once implemented, the program would save approximately five billion dollars.

Although the federal Liberals are pledging to bring in Pharmacare, it’s not a single-payer system – which would help the most people

and lower the cost of providing medications.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau only promises an approach to “deal with the gaps.”

Twenty years ago, then Prime Minister Jean Chretien committed to developing a Pharmacare plan when seeking re-election. Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is promising an inferior plan that won’t be fully in place until 2027.

For most Canadians, that’s too little too late.

Canadians deserve a government that will not only protect our public health care system, but will expand it, and ensure no one falls through the cracks.

SARA ROZELL

NDP PHOTO

JAGMEET SINGH | When NDP leader Jagmeet Singh hits the campaign trail this fall, he will be putting health care, climate change, the environment and affordability at the centre of his policy platform.

during the event.

They say it provided a great opportunity to hear from members, answer questions, and talk about emerging trends in the practice of rehabilitation assistants.

HEU to hold three-day women’s conference About 150 HEU members are expected to attend the union’s three-day women’s conference – Women to the front: taking our space, building our power – held September 16-18 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond.

It’s no secret that women’s work – both paid and unpaid – is critical to the functioning of society. Yet, women’s work is often undervalued, and their voices are ignored.

By working together to build collective power, women can move their issues to the front of the agenda in workplaces, unions, communities, and the halls of political power – as leaders.

During the conference, participants will strategize on building women’s participation in today’s social, economic and political world, and discover the strengths and barriers facing women in all their diversity.

Fall/Winter Summer 2019 2018 | GUARDIAN 5

WORKING FOR YOU

OUR COMMUNICATIONS TEAM THERE’S NEVER A DULL MOMENT in HEU’s busy communications department.

It’s responsible for all media relations, advertising, website and social media, membership communications, bargaining and organizing support, local and provincial campaigns, writing and producing the Guardian, eventplanning for conventions and conferences, and providing leadership with communications support, when needed.

The team is also a resource for other HEU departments, including education, servicing, research, OH&S and equity.

Betty Valenzuela | Financial Secretary

Barb Nederpel | President

PRESIDENT’S DESK

VIEWPOINT

As your financial secretary, it’s a top priority for me to ensure union dues are used to reinvest in our members.

Members like you.

AS I TRAVEL the province meeting members, one question I often get asked is: “what does HEU do with my union dues?”

Your union dues support many services that benefit all members – from providing servicing representation to enforce your collective agreement, running local and provincial campaigns, bargaining for 50,000 members covered by more than 100 contracts, offering member educational opportunities, and the operation of HEU’s provincial and regional offices.

Your union dues

Now is the time to be bold – to elect politicians who don’t seek to divide us, but who put people at the heart of their politics.

THIS FALL, Canadians will choose a government that will shape the future of our country for the next four years.

We’re facing a critical choice, the results of which can move this country forward or send us spiraling backward.

As HEU president, I urge you to become engaged and active in this election because people like you need to be at the centre of our politics.

As health care workers, we know this. People are at the heart of our work.

Union dues are established at convention by the membership.

Without those dues, we couldn’t support the work of HEU or our locals.

I realize most members aren’t aware that a percentage of membership dues are returned to each local in the form of “dues rebates”, and those monies provide members with additional resources.

All locals, whose finances are in good-standing and who submit their quarterly financial reports to the Provincial Office for review, are eligible for rebates. Those funds – administered by your local executive – are used to help you build stronger locals. Rebates can support local activities, member education, leadership training, campaigns, or community outreach initiatives.

Universal health care

Resources and opportunities

The NDP also want to make life more affordable by building housing, investing in child care, and improving the public services we all depend on.

And only the NDP are ready to take bold action on the climate crisis with a comprehensive plan that addresses the needs of the environment as well as workers transitioning into the economy of the future.

We know the NDP won’t leave anyone behind. This is so important at a time when right-wing populism is sowing the seeds of fear and hate, hoping to divide us.

I am a huge advocate for education. Knowledge makes us stronger as activists, as locals, as leaders, and as a union.

HEU earmarks financial resources for member development through our year-round education program. Members can access shop steward, occupational health and safety, table officers, and diversity/equity/inclusion training, as well as attend HEU summer school, regional meetings, conferences and convention.

To further support activism at the local level, we have other memberdriven resources available, including bursaries and scholarships, and our local building fund.

Our members can also access up to $500 in registration costs to attend labour study courses, offered by such institutions as a community college, CUPE, the B.C. Federation of Labour, and the Canadian Labour Congress.

As your financial secretary, it’s a top priority for me to ensure union dues are used to reinvest in our members. Members like you.

There’s an old saying that a union is only as strong as its members.

That’s why it’s important that HEU provides financial resources to build your skills as activists, build your confidence as leaders, and build your locals to be a strong and united part of this tremendous union.

Happy 75th anniversary, HEU!

6 GUARDIAN | Summer 2019

And when it comes to health care, we need politicians who listen to and support the workers who provide the care, and who will invest in the most important public program Canadians rely on – our universal health care system.

Jagmeet Singh and the NDP want to bring in real Pharmacare and expand Medicare to include dental and vision coverage. After 40 years, studies show these measures will actually save money while keeping us healthier. And they were always part of Tommy Douglas’ original vision for public health care.

Affordability

Our core values

During this election, we can make a difference and build the kind of Canada we, the people, want. We’ll have an opportunity to vote for a party that’s aligned with our core values. One that stands with working people to improve our lives. One that will fight for real Pharmacare, make life more affordable, and won’t back away from the climate emergency we face.

Now is the time to be bold – to elect politicians who don’t seek to divide us, but who put people at the heart of their politics. Jagmeet Singh and the NDP are that party.

In October, vote your values.

INDEPENDENT BARGAINING CONFERENCE

Making gains through solidarity FOR THE THIRD TIME in eight years, HEU members gathered for the union’s Independent Bargaining Conference for Seniors’ Care to build bargaining power and tackle challenges they face at the work site.

In a sector with more than 8,000 members working in long-term care, assisted living and independent living across 92 work sites in 78 separate collective agreements, there are many shared challenges.

A growing retention and recruitment problem in the sector – resulting from wide discrepancies in wages – has some facilities dealing with a constant revolving door of staff, unfilled shifts and falling standards of care.

And members in the sector also have the highest injury rates of any occupation in the province – with reported injuries at a rate four times the provincial average.

Despite the complexity and fragmentation of the sector, gains are slowly being made at bargaining tables.

Those gains come from building solidarity among members at work sites who are prepared to stand up for better working and caring conditions. And some work sites who share a common employer are working together to coordinate bargaining despite being in separate contracts.

One delegate talked about the unity that developed between members separated by 200 kilometres, when they coordinated bargaining to improve wages and benefits. Following a big win at the table, what stuck with her was “the realization that we are powerful together and that it doesn’t stop after the bargaining table.”

“In a sector with so many employers, solidarity is how we make gains,” says HEU private sector coordinator Maire Kirwan. “Members set common priorities and goals, which help direct negotiations for individual contracts. Each gain brings up the whole sector and everyone benefits. Members aren’t letting the fragmentation of the industry divide them.”

OUR REALITY | Members talk with Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, about the risks and challenges they are dealing with on the job.

This year, a significant outcome of the conference was adopting a resolution to work toward a sector-wide framework for collective bargaining.

“While there is a mix of private-for-profit and non-profit ownership, the vast majority receive public funding,” says Kirwan. “It makes sense for a publicly funded sector to move toward coordinated bargaining to raise industry standards.”

Elaine Littmann PHOTO

Members in HEU’s independent seniors’ care sector build their bargaining power

MEMBER STORIES | Conference delegates talk about how to improve working and caring conditions.

In 2003, the BC Liberals passed laws which facilitated privatization, contracting out and contract-flipping in the sector. Since then, independent seniors’ care has rapidly expanded to include multiple operators, contractors and subcontractors.

In 2018, the NDP government repealed these laws, which was the first step toward job security for the sector. And during the conference, long-awaited B.C. Labour Relations Code amendments – including stronger successorship to protect seniors and workers from the damage of contract-flipping – were passed.

“These changes will bring stability to the sector,” says HEU secretary-business manager Jennifer Whiteside. “The widespread practice of contract-flipping has led to a rise in precarious work, lowered wages, and caused a growing recruitment and retention problem.

Successorship protections mean we can start righting some of those wrongs.”

The legislative changes follow a $548 million investment in seniors’ care by the NDP government to bring staffing levels up to the provincial guideline of 3.36 hours of care per resident per day within three years.

On the last day of the conference, delegates shared the challenges they face on the job, and the impact that short-staffing, workload and job insecurity have on the seniors they care for with MLAs Raj Chouhan (Burnaby-Edmonds), Janet Routledge (Burnaby North), Bowinn Ma (North Vancouver-Lonsdale), Anne Kang (Burnaby-Deer Lake) and Rachna Singh (Surrey-Green Timbers).

Members spoke of seniors who may go for weeks without a bath because of short-staffing, and about the need for proper assessment of residents with complex needs to better prevent and manage aggression and violent incidents.

An LPN spoke of how lack of bathing, heavy medication, and staffing ratios as high as one to 10 during the day and one to 37 at night, compromises residents’ health and increases the chance of falls.

And a delegate, who works as a chef, summed up the changes he’s seen in the workplace over the years, saying a typical Sunday meal has gone from prime rib to fried baloney.

Following the presentations, Minister of Health Adrian Dix spoke about the need for change in the sector, and underscored the value and commitment HEU members bring to the seniors they support.

SARA ROZELL

KERRY’S STORY: FROM PRIME RIB TO FRIED BALONEY Here’s one of many stories members shared during the conference.

In 2014, a typical Sunday night dinner coming out of Kerry’s kitchen would be prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, fresh vegetables, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and homemade raspberry white chocolate cheesecake.

Not anymore. Now, Sunday dinner is fried baloney on toast, frozen vegetables and cheesecake out of a package.

Kitchen staff have been cut by 15 hours a week. Clearly, priorities have changed. And when they make food from scratch, it’s for catering offered by the facility – not for the seniors who live there.

As a red-seal chef with 28 years on the job, Kerry takes pride in the food he makes, but preparing pre-packaged food isn’t something he takes pride in. And it worries him.

He’s concerned that seniors aren’t getting good nutritional value from their food.

He’s worried about the independent living folks who no longer buy meal packages.

And he’s uneasy about what this means for the kitchen’s future.

For a chef, this situation is a bad recipe.

Summer 2019 | GUARDIAN 7

Members rock S Sharmarke Dubow

Under the theme Building Leadership: Organizing for Power, about 200 HEU members and facilitators gathered in June for the union’s in-residence, weeklong Summer School at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

Sheryl Burns

Myrna Cranmer

Megan Lau

Morgane Oger

8 GUARDIAN | Summer 2019

“I absolutely love our Summer School,” HEU president Barb Nederpel told participants at the opening plenary. “It’s such a great opportunity for our members from all across the province to connect, share stories and learn – not only from one another – but it’s also a perfect opportunity to learn together, and to find creative and effective ways to mobilize and make our union stronger.”

A cornerstone of HEU’s education program, the union’s biennial Summer School is a tremendous resource for activists. But it’s not only about learning, it’s about building solidarity and friendships along the way, which – in turn – create a healthier, more inclusive union.

This year’s curriculum was aimed at raising awareness about the foundations of workers’ collective power and strength, and how to build inclusive, solidarity-based relationships. With this knowledge, activists gain confidence and are better equipped to defend the union’s collective agreements and protect members’ workplace rights.

“Each of us has the potential to influence and create change in the world around us,” said Nederpel.

“But as leaders in our locals, we also have a responsibility to share our knowledge, be inclusive, and mentor the next generation of activists.

“As the BC NDP’s own Rosemary Brown – Canada’s first black woman elected to a provincial legislature – once said, ‘We must open the doors and we must see to it they remain open, so that others can pass through.’”

During sessions, participants learned about the forces that devalue and divide workers – stemming from anti-labour governments and policies – and worked together to develop strategies on how to organize successful member-driven, workplace campaigns.

Workshops included Taking Back the Work Floor, Uniting for Health and Safety, Transforming Conflict into Union Activism, and the Power of Storytelling.

Championing change

Throughout the week, Summer School featured guest speakers and panelists during interactive, large plenary sessions.

Participants heard from Shannon Daub, director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ B.C. office, who talked about economic inequity and the importance of protecting unionized jobs and public services. Tracey Maynard, lead organizer of the Metro Vancouver Alliance, spoke about how unions, faith and community groups can work together to improve the lives of all British Columbians.

Paving the Road for an Equitable Future – moder-

ated by the CBC’s Erica Johnson, brought together a panel of equity-seeking leaders, who are making a difference in their communities.

“I think this panel is particularly timely given the human rights that seem to be trampled all around the world today,” said Johnson. “I’m hoping that we’ll come away with some great ideas and some actions for all of us to pave the way for a more equitable future.”

Panelists included: CUPE BC’s Sheryl Burns, a long-time women’s, labour and disability rights activist; Myrna Cranmer whose grassroots work in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside led to two inquiries for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, including the national inquiry; former refugee Sharmarke Dubow, a Victoria city councillor who became the first Somali-Canadian elected to city council in Canada; Megan Lau, co-founder of a free community mentorship program for young women of colour and Indigenous women in the arts, and Morgane Oger, an organizer and educator, who has successfully championed a movement to strengthen human rights laws for trans people.

In her introduction to the equity session, HEU financial secretary Betty Valenzuela shared a personal story.

“As the first Filipina woman elected as HEU’s financial secretary, I know firsthand the challenges, the struggles and the frustrations of trying to climb the leadership ladder. I’ve experienced racism, sexism and ageism, but I persevered. And now, I stand here proudly as an elected leader of our great union.

“Our panelists here this morning – like me – are members of equity-seeking groups. They have also overcome tremendous obstacles to become leaders in their fields.

“At our last Equity Conference, we spoke about our commitment to becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive union – where every HEU member has a place and a voice. It’s important – as activists and as social justice advocates – that we create space for everyone to feel included at work and in our communities.”

Organizing successful campaigns

Participants were especially energized by an exciting Grassroots Leadership panel, where they heard firsthand accounts from HEU activists, who mobilized members to organize successful workplace campaigns.

Sarah Thom, a care aide at Fort St. John Hospital, spoke about leading a fightback campaign against the employer’s proposed scheduling changes, which violated the collective agreement.

Brenda Whitehall PHOTO

Summer School 2019

BUILDING SKILLS | Members chose elective workshops focused on their individual interests. They included Taking Back the Work Floor, Transforming Conflict into Union Activism, the Power of Storytelling, and Uniting for Health and Safety (pictured above).

“About six of us went around the work site to educate members,” said Thom. “We handed out 100 collective agreements, 120 cupcakes and 80 lanyards and talked to members about their rights… A bit of education is amazing in that it sparks a trust in people.”

Bethany Whelan, a cook at 100 Mile District General Hospital, shared stories of how she and co-worker Monica Keogh started a Pink Pledge Campaign to address workplace bullying, and how the local is also reaching out to help community children, who were traumatized by the 2017 wildfire evacuations.

“We want to target two different grades from each school that was evacuated, and give them a plant to take home to bury that memory in a positive way, and create a new life through planting a tree with their family at home,” said Whelan.

Erna Mendoza, a care aide at the New Horizons local in Campbell River, discussed a creative and effective bargaining campaign that united workers around the theme #Reality, which they printed on black T-shirts and used to explain the “reality” of their jobs. They also “Marched on the Boss” to

deliver a huge banner containing petition signaOn the final day of Summer School, particitures from workers demanding a fair contract. pants were offered workshops on equity and inclu“Since getting involved in the union more than sion, poverty, organizing, staying calm under presfour years ago, I have been active on every cam- sure, how to participate in election campaigns, paign against contractand delivering messages ing out,” said Mendoza. “Each of us has the potential to through video and song.

“During our bargaining That evening, HEU influence and create change in the campaign, our members members showcased their started enforcing their world around us. As leaders in our talent and good humour rights to put pressure on locals, we also have a responsibility by writing and performthe employer to make to share our knowledge, be ing zipper songs (changgains for fairer wages, reaing lyrics to well-known inclusive, and mentor the next sonable workloads and songs) – a popular tradigeneration of activists.” proper staffing.” tion at many HEU events.

And Labor Notes staff During the week, there organizer Bianca Cunningham delivered a moti- was also entertainment from Indigenous women’s vational address about battling racism and sexism ensemble M’Girl; energetic African performer as she organized several Verizon Wireless workers Jacky Arrah Yanga; and a movie night, hosted in Brooklyn, for which she was later fired.

by HEU’s Pink Triangle Standing Committee, Cunningham also spoke out against anti-union with the screening of Pride. Based on a true story, legislation in the United States – brought in under Pride is about London-based LGBTQ+ activists the Trump administration – and the growing who supported Welsh striking miners during obstacles for racialized workers. “Now is the time one of the longest labour disputes in the United to be bold,” she said. “Pick a side and stay there.”

Kingdom.

written by Brenda Whitehall

Summer 2019 | GUARDIAN 9

LABOUR

News from here and around the world

FAIR WAGES COMMISSION

The B.C. Federation of Labour (BCFED) has issued a boycott notice to all affiliates targeting Westminster Savings Credit Union, where employees at the Shaughnessy Station branch are striking to protect their pensions, and fighting the proposed closure of the credit union’s only unionized branch.

The striking workers, represented by MoveUP, have been on the picket line since January 22 fighting for retirement security, and against their employer’s attempts to deny access to the existing defined benefit pension plan for employees hired on or after July 1, 2018. Workers at the non-unionized branches have already been affected.

The BCFED has also announced a “hot edict” on Western Forest Products (WFP) in a show of solidarity with striking forest workers.

The move, welcomed by the United Steelworkers, means that members of the BCFED’s affiliated unions have been asked to no longer handle any WFP coastal lumber, log and wood products.

More than 2,600 steelworkers, employed by WFP on Vancouver Island, are on strike to save their pensions, seniority rights, and longterm disability from being cut by the company.

HEU calls for poverty reduction measures TWELVE YEARS after HEU launched its groundbreaking Living Wage Campaign, the slogan: “Work should lift you out of poverty, not keep you there” is still relevant today.

That’s why HEU secretary-business manager Jennifer Whiteside and HEU activist Cora Mojica, a Sodexo dietary aide at Vancouver General Hospital, spoke before a Fair Wages Commission panel at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver earlier this spring.

The Fair Wages Commission, established in October 2017, is an independent body charged with advising the government on how to improve the lives of working British Columbians and employers by addressing factors such as minimum and living wages.

For more than 18 months, the Commission met with stakeholders, including unions, workers and employers to hear their recommendations and personal stories. Feedback was also gathered through email testimonials.

In her presentation, Whiteside provided a history of contracting out and contract-flipping in health care, and described the devastating impact this has had on HEU members, including job loss, wage rollbacks, poverty-level wages, loss of benefits and seniority.

“The B.C. Liberal government’s privatization agenda created a legacy of low-waged, precarious work, which persists to this day,” said Whiteside. “Thousands of workers were fired and invited to reapply for their jobs at nearly half the

wage, with no pension security and vastly inferior benefits.

“It’s a legacy that drove our union to be one of the founders

“Any sick time is minimal. We have no short-term or long-term disability. Because our wages are low and the cost of living, especially here in

Brenda Whitehall PHOTO

BC FED ISSUES BOYCOTT AND HOT EDICT

PRESENTATION | HEU’s Jennifer Whiteside and HEU member Cora Mojica

of the Living Wage movement in British Columbia...

“And while we have gradually been able to improve wages and working conditions in privatized hospital support services, mostly cleaners and food services workers – through union organizing and successive rounds of bargaining – a hospital housekeeper still does not earn the wage she made prior to 2001. She still has fewer benefits. And she does not have retirement security.”

Whiteside and Mojica both referenced HEU members who have to hold down two or three jobs to make ends meet, and the challenge of retiring with no income security.

“We don’t have pensions,” said Mojica, a 15-year HEU member.

Vancouver, is very high, we haven’t been able to save that much.

“I am approaching retirement age, but I don’t have any other choice but to continue working like my co-workers who are older than 65… I’d like to think that workers who follow me, who will love their job as much as I love mine, might have a chance at a pension and a more secure retirement.”

HEU is recommending a poverty-reduction program; a $10-a-day child care plan; raising the minimum wage; affordable housing and public transit; higher welfare and disability rates; and expanding the provincial health plan to include dental care, optometry, paramedical care, and enhanced Pharmacare.

BRENDA WHITEHALL

NOTEBOOK

Guardian chronicles union’s history THREE TIMES A YEAR, without fail, HEU’s flagship publication – the Guardian – lands in your mailboxes.

And for the past 15 years, I have been one of the few to have the distinct privilege of being its editor.

It has been an extraordinary experience working with such a dedicated team of communications staff, contributors, union activists and HEU’s leadership to bring the stories of our members, our union and our movement to print.

Over the decades, the Guardian has been honoured with numerous awards for its excellence in writing, layout and design, and journalistic integrity in its coverage of the struggles and victories of our own union, and others.

As this issue – my 50th and my last – goes to press, I particularly want to recognize and thank all the HEU members who have been so open and willing to share 10 GUARDIAN | Summer Fall/Winter 2019 2018

It has been an extraordinary experience bringing the stories of our members, our union and our movement to print.

the stories and experiences of your working lives.

Of all the news and analysis that makes its way into each issue of the Guardian, your voices are always the most powerful and most inspiring. The issues and events that impact you, whether it’s on or after the shift, are the lifeblood of the paper From its earliest days in the 1950s, when it was published as a mimeographed newsletter, to our current news magazine format, the Guardian has faithfully chronicled the events and issues of the times.

It’s a treasure trove of our history. And one that I have so enjoyed being a part of. Thank you to all who have shared the experience with me.

I’m looking forward to the next issue landing in my mailbox.

PATTY GIBSON DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

UNITE HERE LOCAL 40

A UNION CAMPAIGN demanding greater safety measures for its members working at downtown Vancouver hotels has received a significant boost from city council – one that will help protect women throughout the hospitality industry.

UniteHere Local 40, which represents 1,500 workers currently in contract negotiations at five luxury hotels, started job action in June to bolster their demands for fair wages, safer working conditions, and enough supplies to do their jobs.

As the campaign advanced, several women workers bravely stepped forward to publicly recount their stories of sexual assault and harassment by hotel guests. These experiences, they say, were minimized by management – and, even more alarming, no measures were proposed to prevent future incidents.

UniteHere’s Michelle Travis told media the union has been able to work out an agreement with the hotel operator at one hotel to address a number of those issues.

But, she says, the union wants to see more action taken on a much larger scale.

Cities across North America have grappled with this issue. Victoria recently passed a bylaw requiring a sexual violence prevention plan from all new liquor license applicants. Seattle, along with other U.S. cities, now requires that panic buttons be provided for hotel workers.

UniteHere Local 40 is calling for the provision of panic buttons, a ban on guests who commit acts of harassment and assault against hotel workers, and whistleblower

Michael YC Tseng PHOTO

Women workers risk sexual assault, harassment

RALLY | Workers and supporters rally in united call for action to deal with sexual violence on the job.

protection for workers who speak out about incidents.

The union set up an online petition and letter-writing campaign calling on Vancouver city council

“As a city, we have the ability to ensure that all women, employees and patrons of Vancouver’s restaurants, bars and hotels are safe and respected.” to address the problem, and councillors Jean Swanson and Christine

Boyle brought forward a motion to the July 24 meeting.

In a letter of support, HEU’s leadership wrote, “As a city, we have the ability to ensure that all women, employees and patrons of Vancouver’s restaurants, bars and hotels are safe and respected.”

Following a rally at Vancouver City Hall on the day of the meeting, council voted unanimously to direct city staff “to report to Council on recommendations and actions to ensure the safety of women working in the service and hospitality industry.”

The city will meet with hotel

and restaurant owners, the police department and service worker advocate groups to explore options, such as conducting audits of venues to ensure the staff and environment minimize risk of sexual violence incidents, and working toward a common policy for business operators that establishes a best practices standard for conduct. A recommendations report is expected this fall.

At press time, the Hotel Georgia had suspended negotiations with the union. To follow this story, visit <uniteherelocal40.org>.

ELAINE LITTMANN

NEWSBITES Provincial government boosts MRIs, reduces waitlists

EXCEEDING TARGETS | Since launching the B.C. Surgical and Diagnostic Imaging Strategy in 2018, B.C. has completed 233,369 MRI exams in the first year, up from 23 per cent the previous year.

Patients in Langley and across the region will benefit from increased access to MRI exams and shorter wait times, when the first-ever MRI for Langley Memorial Hospital opens mid-summer 2020.

The Langley investment builds on the second MRI installed at Surrey’s Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre in May, and the purchase of two MRI community clinics in Abbotsford and Surrey last year.

Since B.C.’s NDP government launched the B.C. Surgical and Diagnostic Imaging Strategy in March 2018, the province has exceeded its targets, completing 233,369 MRI exams in the first year (2018-19), up from 23 per cent the previous year.

In Fraser Health, more than 65,300 MRI exams were delivered, a 17 per cent increase from the previous year. This year, the volume is expected to rise further. And province-wide, more than 248,000 MRI exams will be performed.

In March 2019, the median wait time for an outpatient MRI exam in Summer 2019 | GUARDIAN 11

It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it can become.

DR. SEUSS, The Lorax

35 YEARS TOGETHER

Love in scrubs

JULIE AND TOM Ovens graduated from care aide training 35 years ago, and took their first jobs together at a West Vancouver nursing home.

From then on, they’ve rarely worked apart.

For the past 25 years, the pair has shared the challenges and adventures of a care aide career at the Chilliwack General Hospital.

When they met in 1982, Julie was a dietary aide, and Tom was working in the shipyards.

Julie decided to enroll in the care aide program at Capilano College, and Tom accompanied her to an information session.

“They asked me if I wanted to apply too, and I said, ‘no, I’m just here with her’,” Tom recalled.

But he’d been recently laid off from his welding job, and unemployment benefits would pay for

care aide training, so he decided to take a chance.

“I thought it was only temporary,” he said.

“I kept saying that. But in the 2000s, I finally decided – this is fairly permanent.”

When their children were young, Tom and Julie would take opposite shifts. That way, one was always able to be home with the kids, and they could hand off child care during shift changes. Julie was able to work casual, when necessary, and their health care skills were always in demand.

Like many HEU members working in longterm care, their residents became like family, and the Ovens and their children helped make holidays at the facilities special. “On New Year’s, we’d all show up with hats and go around and

ring bells,” said Julie. “And we made sure we took the kids to show off their Halloween costumes.”

The family went through tough times, though.

They suffered through the BC Liberals’ privatization and program cuts of the early 2000s, when over 8,000 HEU members were laid off.

Tom and Julie kept their jobs, but both their paycheques dropped by 15 per cent, an alarming situation for a young family with two kids and a mortgage.

“We sold our house, my parents sold their house, and we moved in all together,” Julie said.

“Otherwise we would have gone bankrupt.”

Working together, they say, gives them someone to count on at work, and a sympathetic listener and problem-solver when there are frustrations on the job.

“We get great empathy and support from each other,” said Julie. “We understand each other’s frustration. We have a built-in support system.”

Tom agrees, and adds that he always looks to Julie for help when he needs a two-person team.

“We work well together.”

They both feel their closeness usually eases stress, but when Tom was injured at work six years ago, Julie admits the proximity made it tough. “I overheard the Code White, I was right there. I lived through it with him.”

Julie had long been active in the union, but the incident inspired her to get more involved with workplace safety. She joined the JOHS committee, and is currently a local shop steward and OH&S steward. Tom is trustee of the local and facilitates Code White training for Fraser Health.

“You always have to make sure you have a professional and private life,” Julie said. “To this day, even though we’ve worked at Chilliwack Hospital for 25 years, there are many people who still don’t know we’re husband and wife.

Even if we were having a debate at home about something, once you get to work, you’ve got to put that on a backburner.”

Tom and Julie are beginning to think about retirement, but have no firm plans yet. A little travel, maybe even continue to pick up a few shifts here and there. One thing they’re pretty sure about, though: they’ll be doing it together.

ELAINE LITTMANN

NEWSBITES Fraser Health was 48 days. That’s compared to 50 per cent of patients waiting 89 days or less in April 2018.

Toward a barrier-free Canada Accessibility is a human right for all Canadians with a disability.

That’s why activists celebrated on June 21 when the Accessible Canada Act (Bill C-81) finally became law across the country.

Over the past year, stakeholders – including unions, disability rights advocates, and the federal government – worked together to iron out key provisions in the legislation.

12 GUARDIAN | Summer 2019

By 2040, the goal is to have a barrier-free Canada so that people with disabilities can have full access to participate in their workplaces, communities and public spaces.

The new law also removes barriers for those who use American, Quebec and Indigenous sign languages.

As part of the implementation, the Canadian Human Rights Commission will hire a Chief Accessibility Officer, create a new Accessibility Commissioner position, and establish a Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization.

In 2010, Canada ratified the

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Bill C-81 is a step in the right direction in realizing Canada’s commitment to protecting human rights and promoting greater accessibility by removing barriers that prevent people with disabilities from full participation in society.

Ottawa recommends action to keep health care workers safe Earlier this summer, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health released its report on the

critical issue of violence against health care workers in Canada. The report strongly reflects recommendations made by CUPE and HEU is their testimonies before the committee on June 4.

Those recommendations include developing a pan-Canadian strategy to address staffing shortages and the prevention of violence in health care and creating a national public campaign to raise awareness of the issue.

CUPE and HEU also support other recommendations related to best practices information, statistics collection, and research into

Medical secretary Dorinda Nyman brings caring and a passion for detail to her work in the specialty field of medical genetics.

Gathering patient histories

When HEU activists at 100 Mile District General Hospital realized workplace bullying was a problem, they tackled it head on.

Shop stewards Bethany Whelan and Monica Keogh started the Pink Pledge Campaign to engage members on the issue. They came to work entirely in pink, handed out snacks and treats to members, while educating them about the union’s equity-seeking groups.

They created word quizzes to teach appropriate equity terminology, designed Pink Pledge educational poster boards, and hosted information tables on their own time.

“It’s changing the atmosphere we work in and people are understanding that some of the choice words they use are causing damage,” said Whelan, a cook and local vice-chairperson. She says she’s seeing positive results. After noticing discord between crews in her dietary department, Whelan brought speakers to work, started playing music and having mini-dance sessions. The environment soon became more relaxed.

Keogh, a JOHS committee member involved in Psychological Health, Safety and Wellness, flagged workplace mental health as being a safety issue. “It also addresses cyber-bullying and the myriad of ways stress affects our focus and safety at work.”

workplace violence. Although the committee accepted HEU’s recommendation for facility upgrades, the union is objecting to those upgrades being completed through public-private partnerships.

Summer Institute for Union Women From July 2-6, nearly 20 HEU activists took part in the 2019 Western Regional Summer Institute for Union Women, held at Vancouver’s University of British Columbia campus.

This year’s theme was Equity.

Justice. Reconcili-action: Building

ON THE JOB

TACKLING BULLYING HEAD ON

An HEU member for five years, Dorinda Nyman is a medical secretary at Victoria General Hospital in the Medical Genetics department.

This specialty field appealed to Nyman because she possessed all the required skills, including a good education. She had studied business administration, payroll accounting, and health care stenography at college.

Although the popularity of the CSI television franchise and do-it-yourself DNA-testing kits has sparked a growing interest in genetics, DNA enthusiasts should know that testing is not medically regulated and is typically only used to determine ethnic heritage.

“Our clinic does not have anything to do with the DNA testing organizations,” said Nyman. “Our intake is through physician referral and must be for specific medical reasons. The referral is then triaged, accepted or declined.

“We have had enquiries from people who have been provided genetic/ancestral information from the do-it-yourself organizations, and our doctors will not provide any form of consultation from these reports. We make no comments. Our clinic is strictly medical genetics.”

Nyman says the key skills to do her job include “caring for the patients, having an “Our intake is through aptitude for detail, and an appreciation for high volumes of work. But Medical Genetics physician referral and must differs in that there’s a lot of meticulous be for specific medical duties in gathering patient and family history, reasons. The referral is and thoroughly prepping charts before the then triaged, accepted or patient can meet with the geneticist.”

Besides administrative duties, she says post- declined.” referrals are essential. “We wait for testing to return and arrange follow up appointments with the geneticist. This may include the patient and/or family and over a long-term basis. A geneticist can be involved from cradle to grave. We also process applications for special funding for genetic testing to Medical Services.”

A shop steward who also represents her local at the Victoria Labour Council, Nyman says working with the patients is the most rewarding part of her job. “There is a greater general interest in this field of medicine, and I find most patients are willing and happy to hear from us.”

worker power through intersectional feminism and activism.

During the in-residence program, participants registered for courses that included collective bargaining, anti-oppression, OH&S for Women, organizing, strategic campaigns, globalization and immigration, reconciliation, and advanced leadership.

New ILO convention addresses violence and harassment Workers are celebrating June’s historic adoption of a new International

BRENDA WHITEHALL

Labour Organization (ILO) Convention and Recommendation addressing violence and harassment in the workplace.

After more than a year of negotiations with governments, employers and workers, the Centenary International Labour Conference adopted the new framework at its convention in Geneva.

“There can be no decent work with violence at work,” said Marie Clarke Walker, secretary-treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress.

“Few countries provide protection against violence in the workplace, especially gender-based violence.”

The ILO is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social justice and promote decent work by setting international labour standards. The ILO Convention is legally binding, while the Recommendation provides advice.

“This is a great achievement,” said Hassan Yussuff, CLC president. “Now that we have secured this groundbreaking convention, we urge Canada to be among the first countries to ratify. We stand ready to ensure its effective implementation, so everyone can fully enjoy the right to work free from violence and harassment.”

Summer 2019 | GUARDIAN 13

COFFEE BREAK

We’re drowning in plastic All around the world, people are waking up to the devastating impact plastics are having on our health and the environment. Here are a few interesting facts.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Oceans around the world are polluted with 800 million tons of plastic per year (Environment Canada).

Internationally, a staggering one million plastic bottles of water are purchased every minute (Guardian, UK).

IN KEEPING WITH HEU’s longstanding tradition of celebrating union events with cake, we’re honouring our 75th anniversary with – you got it – cake! (You batter believe it!)

HEU is inviting all locals to enter the union’s cake contest by personally decorating an HEU-themed 75th anniversary cake and sending in photos.

To enter, email members@heu.org with: • Up to three photos, including one of your local with the cake and one close up of the cake (these photos will be shared on social media).

• A short description of your cake’s design, your theme for the 75th, and the tasty flavour of your delectable treat.

The cake must be decorated by at least one HEU member, if not more (no professionally decorated cakes allowed). THE DEADLINE TO ENTER IS OCTOBER 19.

Questions? Email members@heu.org • www.heu.org/75 • #HEUTakesTheCake • #HEU75

The plastic waste clogging the earth’s oceans threatens about 700 species of marine life (Marine Biology & Ecology Research Centre).

Canadians use about three billion singleuse plastic bags annually that end up in landfills and bodies of water (Plastic Oceans Foundation Canada).

On average, each Canadian uses 700 plastic bags, 720 single-use cups, 1,025 plastic bottles, and 730 straws (Plastic Oceans Foundation Canada) every year.

Packaging products accounts for 40 per cent of the world’s plastic consumption (National Geographic).

According to an Environmental Science and Technology study, humans ingest more than 74,000 toxic microplastic particles a year through air, food and water (National Geographic).

14 GUARDIAN | Summer Fall/Winter 2019 2018

Elaine Littmann PHOTO

1

Since the 1950s, an estimated 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced around the globe – and only nine per cent of it was recycled (Science Advances research report).

HEU takes the cake!

HEU MEMBER AT WORK | Ratna Tithh is part of the team keeping patients nourished at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. She works the breakfast and lunch shift, delivering trays to rooms, and preparing and portioning food in the kitchen. She’s been an HEU member for 13 years, and is currently chief shop steward at her work site, as well as chair of her Seven Shining Stars local.

HEU PEOPLE RETIREMENTS Beverly Mansell (Powell River) retired in May after working more than 12 years at the Powell River General Hospital. She began her career as a medical stenographer before moving to staff scheduling, where she retired as a portfolio clerk.

Beverly enjoyed interacting with people and will miss the staff. In her community, she volunteered at the Royal Canadian Legion, both at the B.C./Yukon Command and the Powell River Branch.

Having recently moved, Beverly will be busy settling in to her new house, but still plans to go on picnics with her husband and enjoy the outdoors. We wish her a very happy retirement.

50,000 members in 287 locals

including servicing, bargaining and organizing.

Gulzar was a valued employee and was wellrespected by her co-workers. She helped train new casual administrative assistants and was always willing to help others.

She loved animals and had two beloved dogs. She had a full life, spending a lot of her time with family and friends, travelling, and being quite active at her local Mosque. Always stylish, Gulzar loved shopping for clothes and jewellery, and enjoyed cooking and eating good food.

Gulzar is remembered as being very independent and a genuinely nice person.

She leaves behind a loving daughter and two grandchildren.

She will be deeply missed by her colleagues, friends and family.

Equity matters

Did you know that HEU has five standing committees? Working with HEU’s equity officers, they provide outreach and advocacy to HEU members, and work in solidarity with other social justice groups.

To learn more, call 1.800.663.5813 to speak with Equity Officers Sharryn Modder and Jennifer Efting.

Ethnic Diversity • Indigenous Peoples Pink Triangle • People with disAbilities • Women

Guardian HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES’ UNION

“In humble dedication to all those who toil to live.”

After working 33 years with Fraser Health, Lindsey Munson (Burnaby and Royal Columbian) retired on August 31. Lindsey worked as a care aide and porter for both Burnaby Hospital and Royal Columbian Hospital.

She was active in both locals, serving as a shop steward, assistant secretary-treasurer, chair, vice-chair, trustee, and JOHS committee member. Lindsey also served on the New Westminster and District Labour Council as an executive member and Sargent-of-Arms.

“I am thankful to all my mentors, and the friendships I’ve made along the way,” said Lindsey. “It was a good 33 years.”

Upon retirement, she plans to work in her garden. HEU wishes Lindsey all the best.

EDITOR Patty Gibson ASSOCIATE EDITOR Brenda Whitehall GRAPHIC DESIGNER Elaine Happer PRINTING Mitchell Press The Guardian is published on behalf of HEU’s Provincial Exec­utive, under the direction of the editorial committee: Barb Nederpel, Jennifer Whiteside, Betty Valenzuela, Ken Robinson, Jodi George, Bill McMullan, Talitha Dekker

IN MEMORIAM

PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE

Sharon “Lynn” Halstead passed away in May. She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital as an admitting clerk, where she served as a local shop steward. When that facility closed, Lynn moved to Abbotsford Regional Hospital and worked as a bed booking clerk.

Over the years as an HEU activist, Lynn attended conventions, wage policy conferences and summer school, as well as other trade union events. When Lynn socialized with her co-workers, she could always be counted on to bring lively conversation to the table on political subjects.

Lynn is remembered as a kind and generous person with a wonderful sense of humour and a heart of gold. She loved animals, especially her dog MeiMei, and was thrilled to hold a Koala Bear when visiting Australia. She enjoyed reading, good music, taking pictures and attending garage sales and flea markets.

She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and co-workers.

Sadly, Gulzar Lalani (HEU) passed away this May. Gulzar started as an administrative assistant at the Hospital Employees’ Union Provincial Office in June 1989. She spent her 30-year career in various departments,

HEU is a member of the Canadian Association of Labour Media

BARB NEDERPEL President

You can freshen up your wardrobe and show your union pride with our stylish new line of HEU garb and gear. We have long and short sleeved tees, hoodies, jackets, ball caps and camp hats, bags and more in many popular styles and in sizes XS to 4XL. Outfit your local in Team HEU style, and get ready to celebrate our 75th anniversary this October. Union gear makes fun prizes and incentives for local events and meetings. Or you can order your own, and take HEU with you wherever you go.

Get a closer look at our great selection, and find out how to order at <heu.org/ heu-boutique>.

KAREN MCVEIGH Regional Vice-President Vancouver Coastal LISA CREMA Regional Vice-President North MIKE CARTWRIGHT Regional Vice-President North CATHY BLACK Regional Vice-President Vancouver Island CHARLOTTE MILLINGTON Regional Vice-President Vancouver Island CHRIS BATTING First Alternate Provincial Executive

HEU OFFICES

BETTY VALENZUELA Financial Secretary KEN ROBINSON 1st Vice-President

REGIONAL OFFICES

JODI GEORGE 2nd Vice-President BILL MCMULLAN 3rd Vice-President TALITHA DEKKER Senior Trustee KEN BENNETT Trustee STEPHEN ARISS Trustee JOANNE WALKER Regional Vice-President Fraser KARIN VIK Regional Vice-President Fraser SARA MANN Regional Vice-President Fraser RHONDA BRUCE Regional Vice-President Interior SHELLEY BRIDGE Regional Vice-President Interior

MOVED? Please notify us of your change of address online: www.heu.org/change-address-form

LOUELLA VINCENT Regional Vice-President Vancouver Coastal

PROVINCIAL OFFICE 5000 North Fraser Way Burnaby V5J 5M3 604-438-5000 1-800-663-5813 EMAIL heu@heu.org WEB www.heu.org

JENNIFER WHITESIDE Secretary-Business Manager

CHECK OUT HEU’S BOUTIQUE!

BAL SANDHU Regional Vice-President Vancouver Coastal

MONICA THIESSEN Regional Vice-President Interior

Vancouver Island VICTORIA 201-780 Tolmie Avenue Victoria V8X 3W4 250-480-0533 1-800-742-8001 COMOX 6-204 North Island Highway Courtenay, V9N 3P1 250-331-0368 1-800-624-9940

Interior region KELOWNA 100-160 Dougall Rd. S. Kelowna V1X 3J4 250-765-8838 1-800-219-9699 NELSON 745 Baker St. Nelson V1L 4J5 250-354-4466 1-800-437-9877 NORTHERN 1197 Third Ave. Prince George V2L 3E4 250-564-2102 1-800-663-6539

Summer 2019 | GUARDIAN 15

Guardian

THIS FALL, elect a government that will:

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES’ UNION

✓ PROTECT and expand public health care

SUMMER 2019 • VOL. 37 • NO. 2

✓ TAKE ACTION on climate change ✓ MAKE LIFE more affordable ✓ RESPECT working people

AGREEMENT NUMBER 40007486

RETURN TO The Guardian 5000 North Fraser Way Burnaby, B.C. V5J 5M3

Elaine Littmann PHOTO

✓ STAND FOR all Canadians!