Guardian
Season’s Greetings
HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES’ UNION
AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
WINTER 2019 • VOL. 37 • NO. 3
AGREEMENT NUMBER 40007486
RETURN TO The Guardian 5000 North Fraser Way Burnaby, B.C. V5J 5M3
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Seniors’ care faces workload emergency
Guardian HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES’ UNION
FEATURE
Women to the front
WINTER 2019
Long-term care in crisis Chronic short-staffing demands sustainable solutions
HEU women’s conference inspires and motivates | 8
NEWS
A broken system A crisis at two nursing homes raises alarm | 3
Culturally safe care How B.C.’s Indigenous rights legislation involves health care | 5
Defending Medicare Cambie Clinic case outcome closely watched | 11
8 12 COLUMNS Viewpoint
New generation of workers is active and engaged | 6
President’s Desk
We’re the scrappy little union that could – and did | 6
Waste away!
Cook Adella Eliuk is greening her Prince Rupert hospital kitchen | 13
ON THE FRONT COVER: Illustration by Kara Sievewright
HARD CHOICES | HEU members tell us they’re often working very shortstaffed and are forced to make impossible decisions about what care to provide and what care to forgo.
A RECRUITMENT AND
retention crisis for care aides and other staff in the long-term care sector is deepening – driven by inequities in wages and working conditions between one work site and another. It’s left overloaded care staff struggling to provide for residents’ personal care needs. We’ve reached a tipping point. At the end of November, the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) was so alarmed by the impact of chronic shortstaffing on resident care at Nanaimo Seniors Village that it put the site under administration – the second Retirement Concepts site in less than two months. (More on this story on page 3.) The cause is straightforward. Care aides, LPNs and other staff are leaving sites with poor wages and working conditions for better-paid, safer jobs at another.
How did we get here?
Through a process of unionization, and pushing for health reforms in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, HEU secured better wages and working conditions, and better care for seniors, in what had been an under-regulated, and often chaotic, long-term care sector. By 2001, most hospitals and funded long-term care homes were covered by a single master
collective agreement – providing standard wages, benefits and working conditions. For example, a care aide at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and a care aide at privately operated Nanaimo Seniors Village received the same pay and benefits.
A patchwork of working and caring conditions
Starting in 2002, the newly elected BC Liberals took a number of steps allowing many long-term care operators to avoid unionization, opt out of the master agreement, or contract out services in order to lower labour costs and increase profits. The impact of these changes was dramatic. The provincial seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie noted in a 2018 report that only 54 of 187 health authority-contracted care homes in B.C. paid facilities subsector wage rates.
The impact on care
The consequence is a serious recruitment and retention crisis fueled, in large part, by the fact that long-term care workplaces are unstable, short-staffed and poorly paid. For example, a 2018 study on hospital admissions found that those living in care homes contracted by health authorities (as
opposed to those operated directly by health authorities) were significantly more likely to be sent to the ER or be hospitalized, have longer hospital stays, and experience higher hospital mortality rates. HEU members tell us they’re often working very short-staffed and are forced to make impossible decisions about what care to provide and what care to forgo. High workloads mean injury rates in care homes are nearly four times the provincial average. The BC NDP government has acted to protect health work-
High workloads mean injury rates in care homes are nearly four times the provincial average. ers’ wages, collective agreement rights, and union membership if contracts are “flipped”. They’ve also increased staffing levels, and funded more care aide training. Those are huge steps forward. But a sustainable long-term solution requires action to address the wage disparities that exist between care homes in the contracted care sector. We need a standard. That’s our 2020 challenge.
Winter 2019 | GUARDIAN 1
COMMENT Jennifer Whiteside | Secretary-Business Manager Without addressing the wide gap in wages across the sector for care aides and other workers, government will not be able to retain skilled, experienced staff or attract new recruits.
Pushing for standards in seniors’ care sector
THROWBACK HEU HISTORY
HEALTH CARE WORKERS are committed and dedicated – and too often, you’re facing unmanageable and unsustainable workloads that put care, services and your own health at risk. If you’re one of the 15,000 care aides in our union, we know that unfilled lines and constant staff turnover – especially in contracted care homes – is the new normal. As you’ll read in this issue of the Guardian, the massive recruitment and retention crisis in long-term care – fueled by 16 years of B.C. Liberal mismanagement – is rapidly coming to a head. HEU has been pushing for the recognition and respect you deserve for the work that you do. In October, your Provincial Executive was in Victoria talking to MLAs and cabinet ministers about what’s needed in seniors’ care. Specifically, we explained that we want to see action to establish a sector-wide standard for wages and working conditions in our long-term care system. We believe there’s support for creating more stability in the sector, which would help keep workers in the jobs they love. And we’ll push to re-establish the level playing field for working and caring conditions that was in place nearly 20 years ago before it was dismantled by the BC Liberals. The BC NDP government deserves a lot of credit for listening to HEU and funding more than 400 new health care assistant seats in 14 public post-secondary institutions, and funding care homes to reach
2 GUARDIAN | Winter 2019
minimum staffing guidelines, as well as making it easier for qualified care aides to work in B.C. And changing our labour laws to protect health care workers’ wages and working conditions from contract-flipping is huge, and will contribute to more stable and secure work. But without addressing the wide gap in wages across the sector for care aides and other workers, government will not be able to retain skilled, experienced staff or attract new recruits. The retention and recruitment challenges in health care are found in occupations right across the health care team. These shortages of skilled workers undermine care and support, and put workers at risk of injury in our hospitals, care homes, community services, supply chain operations, and in administration. We made some very important gains on this front in the latest round of facilities bargaining, where we secured a high-level recruitment and retention committee that will soon meet to identify barriers and propose solutions to make health care a safe, stable and sustainable career choice. HEU is fighting every day to address retention and recruitment issues across the health care sector. It’s important to your health and safety, to your job satisfaction, and to the kind of care and support we can deliver to our patients, residents and clients.
PROVING THE VALUE OF “WOMEN’S WORK” HEU member Bernice Gehring, a practical nurse at Maple Ridge Hospital, was an early advocate for pay equity. In the 1970s, she travelled B.C. on behalf of the union, testifying at provincial hearings about the disparity between men’s and women’s wages in health care. In Kimberly, at that time, practical nurses were paid $144 less per month than male orderlies. The challenge to achieving equal pay was to prove their jobs were comparable. Because of a long history of rigidly divided “men’s” and “women’s” work, it was not simple to compare wages. Each job classification had to be analyzed and evaluated to determine its skill level and value. HEU won a number of pay equity victories in the 1970s, at one point filing more than 600 human rights cases alleging discrimination on the basis of sex. Bernice Gehring, who continued to be active in local politics and volunteer work, passed away this year at age 82.
NEWS
Your union. Your paper.
Seniors’ care breakdown
New OH&S agency on the way
The tale of two Retirement Concepts facilities in crisis SPARKED BY A CRITICAL shortage of care staff and concerns over resident safety, a B.C. health authority has taken the unprecedented step of operating nursing units at two contracted care homes run by B.C.’s largest private nursing home chain. In October, the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) announced that it would operate a nursing unit in each of two Retirement Concepts’ owned care homes –Selkirk Seniors Village (in Victoria) and Nanaimo Seniors Village. VIHA’s 90-day arrangement is intended to provide temporary relief so that Retirement Concepts has an opportunity to address chronic short staffing at the sites which was impacting care standards for residents. The staff and families of seniors in care started raising the alarm about the problem this past summer. Families made licensing complaints, met with management and began organizing through their family councils. Staff documented the shortages, and HEU raised the alarm with the operator, the health authority, and government. The care crisis at Nanaimo Seniors Village was so serious that VIHA appointed an administrator to oversee operations at the site in November. HEU secretary-business manager Jennifer Whiteside says the union supports the temporary arrangement, and has put in place an agreement to protect the rights of union members employed by Retirement Concepts and those employed by
GROUND ZERO | HEU members at Dufferin Care Centre “stickered up” at work to highlight the retention and recruitment crisis at their Retirement Concepts facility.
the health authority but temporarily assigned to work at the two sites. “This unprecedented intervention by the health authority has thrown into stark relief the serious recruitment and retention crisis we are facing in seniors’ care
This lack of job security and low wages led to B.C.’s current staffing crisis right across the province,” says Whiteside. Under the former BC Liberal government, the province’s seniors’ care system underwent a massive shift that included more private operators, widespread contracting out and exempting most funded care home operators from the requirement to provide the wages and benefits contained in the province-wide Facilities Collective Agreement. Within a few short years, funded
care homes went from having standard wages and working conditions comparable to those offered in hospitals, to a patchwork of wages and working conditions. For example, care aide starting wages can vary by more than $7 an hour from site to site. This lack of job security and low wages led to B.C.’s current staffing crisis and, specifically, to the situation at Nanaimo Seniors Village and Selkirk Seniors Village. “HEU will continue to push for stable working and caring conditions throughout the sector including by achieving comparable wages rates. That the key to a long-term and sustainable solution that works for seniors and workers,” says Whiteside. HEU is currently in bargaining with Retirement Concepts at 12 separate tables. Bargaining demands include better wages, reasonable workload and an end to chronic short-staffing. SARA ROZELL
HEALTH UNIONS and employers, along with the provincial government, have reached an agreement-in-principle for the establishment of a new agency focused on reducing injury rates and improving occupational health and safety for health care workers. This initiative – stemming from the last round of public sector bargaining – will tackle high injury rates in health care by identifying and promoting best practices to make their jobs safer. HEU negotiated language to re-establish an agency to address the critical problem of health care injuries, similar to the Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare (OHSAH) that operated from 1998 until it was dismantled by the BC Liberal government in 2010. A working group – including representatives from all health bargaining associations, the Doctors of BC, the Health Employers Association of BC and government – has been meeting since April on plans for the new organization. “This is an important step forward in reducing injuries and promoting safe workplaces in our sector,” says HEU secretarybusiness manager Jennifer Whiteside, who co-chaired the working group. “A focus on safety will improve the lives of workers while improving the quality of care.”
YOUR UNION Events honour missing and murdered Indigenous women HEU members organized and took part in Red Dress gatherings in Prince George, Cranbrook and Surrey this fall. By collecting red dresses and hanging them in public places, the events aim to draw attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and to “evoke a presence through the marking of absence.” Inspired by the REDress Project by Winnipeg artist Jamie Black, these events are held throughout the year,
in communities across Canada. The Surrey gathering, organized by Fleetwood local and Provincial Executive members Jodi George and Louella Vincent, along with many volunteers, created a profound experience for many. HEU member Brenda Walroth, who organized the Cranbrook event, says, “I’m from Alberta, and in our schools, we never heard anything about the missing and murdered women. That’s why I’m doing this education piece now.” HEU locals are encouraged to collect red dresses and consider holding, or participating in, a workplace or community event.
Bill Anderson PHOTO
BEARING WITNESS | HEU members organized a Red Dress gathering in Surrey’s Bear Creek Park September 15 to honour thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.
Winter 2019 | GUARDIAN 3
The Health Employers Association of BC announced changes to the flu policy after the Guardian went to press. For the updated information, please visit: https://www.heu.org/news-media/news-blog/publications/flu-policy-update-no-discipline-health-workerswho-choose-not-vaccinate-or-wear-masks
IT’S THE LAW
Special leave and the meaning of “care” ONE OF THE MOST HOTLY CONTESTED provisions in the facilities subsector collective agreement is Article 30, relating to special leave. Special leave is paid leave granted for a number of special circumstances – including marriage, the birth of a child, and to provide care to an immediate family member with a serious illness. But what does it mean to provide “care” to a family member? An arbitration interpreting similar language from the health sciences professional agreement offers some key insights. In Fraser Health Authority v. HSA (Special Leave), the grievor applied for special leave on two occasions when her husband was required to attend the hospital for surgery. On both days, the grievor provided various support to her husband, including helping him stay calm and focused through breathing and guided imagery exercises, acting as next of kin in the case of complications during surgery, receiving instructions from the doctor, driving him home, and staying with him as per the doctor’s instructions. On both occasions, the employer denied the grievor’s request on the basis that special leave does not cover the typical support spouses provide each other in difficult times, and that her husband was under the care of hospital professionals. Fortunately, Arbitrator John Hall disagreed. He held that “care” is not limited to physical or medical care, but includes logistical and emotional care. In this case, the grievor provided care similar to what a social worker would provide. The employer even wanted to deduct 60 to 90 minutes from the special leave benefits for the time the grievor’s husband was in surgery, which Hall called “nonsensical.” Hall ruled the grievor was entitled to that special leave, since she was next of kin and was required to provide pre- and post-op care. This decision provides clear support for a holistic view of what it means to provide “care” for a family member.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Influenza rules enforced What you need to know about “flu season” In 2012, the B.C. Ministry of Health introduced the Influenza Control Program Policy, which requires all health care workers to either get the influenza immunization (flu shot) or wear a mask at work during flu season. Over the years, health employer policies have been revised throughout the province, after unions filed grievances over the legislation. But it remains clear that workers must comply with the policy at their work sites. Most HEU collective agreements have articles concerning medical examinations, vaccinations and inoculations – including influenza immunization – such as Article 6.02 (facilities) and Article 22.5 (community health). Since the flu shot is mandatory, the employer is required to pay for the cost of immunization and it should be administered on paid work time. Many work sites hold flu clinics so workers can get immunized during their shift. If you elect to be immunized by your doctor or pharmacist, please check with a shop steward about whether or not you will be reimbursed by the employer for the cost of the flu shot.
To protect patients, the public and employees, workplace policies can prevent unvaccinated staff from working in patient care during a flu outbreak. HEU shop stewards should obtain and review copies of the employer’s policies to determine if unvaccinated workers have the option of taking an anti-viral medication, such as Tamiflu. A worker can say “no” to a flu shot. However, if a worker refuses to be immunized without justification – such as a med-
Policies can prevent unvaccinated staff from working in patient care during a flu outbreak. ical reason supported in writing by a physician or a human rights reason – then they may be subject to progressive discipline. And in the event of an influenza outbreak, an employer may send a worker home without pay, or assign them to another work area unaffected by the outbreak. If you have any questions, check with a local shop steward or occupational health and safety steward at your workplace.
KAITY COOPER
BRENDA WHITEHALL
YOUR UNION Welcome new members
Orange Shirt Day
HEU welcomes new members from Amica on the Gorge Assisted Living in Saanich, Princeton and District Community Services Society, Willingdon Care Centre in Burnaby, CMHC Kamloops Emerald Centre and The Branch, and Jackman Manor in Aldergrove. Staff at these facilities work in a range of occupations, including care aides, activity aides, housekeepers, cooks and LPNs. Almost 1,400 health care workers have chosen to make HEU their union this year.
Orange Shirt Day on September 30 recognizes the more than 150,000 Indigenous children removed from their families and communities, sent away to residential schools, and forced to assimilate into settler culture. HEU’s Indigenous Peoples Standing Committee sponsors a school to mark the day. This year, they provided students and staff at Skeetchestn Community School in Savona with Every Child Matters T-shirts, and donated $500 for books and resources.
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EVERY CHILD MATTERS | Students take part in projects for Orange Shirt Day at Skeetchestn Community School in Savona, located between Kamloops and Cache Creek.
INDIGENOUS RIGHTS LEGISLATION
Transforming health care B.C. is home to over 200 Indigenous communities and 32 distinct Nations, and has the second-highest Indigenous population in Canada. As one step toward reconciliation, B.C. tabled legislation this fall on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, (UNDRIP), to address the historical denial of self-determination and human rights for Indigenous peoples. To find out more about how health care workers can support reconciliation, the Guardian spoke with Cheryl Ward, one of the developers of the San’yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program. The program is delivered by the Provincial Health Services Authority to bring awareness to health care providers about attitudes and behaviours that can transform health care practice. Why is a culturally safe workplace important for Indigenous patients and those working in health care?
“Significant health disparities exist for Indigenous peoples in B.C. and across Canada. Cultural safety is about making spaces, services and organizations safer and more equitable. This occurs by considering ongoing colonialism, and responding to structural racism and discrimination. “Cultural safety is achieved when Indigenous peoples are safe in, and not harmed by, the system. Cultural safety is an outcome based on respectful engagement that recognizes and strives to address power imbalances inherent in the health care system.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE | The team at the San’yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program works to bring awareness to health care providers working with Indigenous peoples.
“It results in an environment significant legacy and ongoing free of racism and discrimina- impacts of colonialism is critical tion, where people feel safe when to transforming relations between receiving and making decisions Indigenous and non-Indigenous citizens. A better about their health care. future is possible and “People who experience it starts with knowing culturally safe health care the truth about our are more likely to access country’s history. care earlier, and to feel more “As our Elder Gerry at ease and empowered Oleman reminds us, throughout the process of ‘We can’t say goodbye receiving care. As a result, to a problem until we they are more inclined to have at first said hello share details about their Cheryl Ward to it.’ health concerns and care “Increase your knowledge of the preferences, and are more willing to return and to follow treatment history of the land you live on and plans recommended by medical Indigenous peoples in Canada. Build self-awareness of your biases professionals.” and assumptions, to help strengthIf people were to take immediate en how you work both directly and personal steps to make their indirectly with Indigenous peoples.” workplace culturally safe, what You can register, as an individual would you recommend? or a team, for the San’yas program “Understanding the history, at <www.sanyas.ca>.
B.C. FIRST PROVINCE TO INTRODUCE INDIGENOUS RIGHTS LEGISLATION On October 24, the BC NDP government introduced historic Indigenous rights legislation. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was codeveloped with the First Nations Leadership Council and creates a framework for reconciliation in B.C. It’s based on the United Nations declaration of the same name, often called UNDRIP. The UN Declaration emphasizes the Indigenous peoples’ rights to live in dignity, to maintain and strengthen Indigenous institutions, cultures and traditions, and to pursue self-determined development, in keeping with Indigenous needs and aspirations.
LEADING THE WAY | Indigenous leaders, including speaker Cheryl Casimer from the First Nations Summit, welcomed the proposed legislation in October.
Human Rights Day challenge for members
Health Care Assistant Day honours vital work
HEU’s equity standing committees are calling on HEU locals to highlight human rights and inclusion to mark this year’s Human Rights Day on December 10. Locals have until December 31 to submit photos and/or a written description of activities, displays, speakers, or participation of HEU members in a workplace or community Human Rights Day event. All submissions will be entered in a draw for an HEU boutique credit. For more details, visit <heu.org/ human-rights-day-challenge>.
Health Care Assistant Day on October 18 honours the vital work care aides and community health workers do to deliver safe, quality care in hospitals, residential care facilities, and in the community. HEU and its members have celebrated some important gains this year. Changes to the labour code brought an end to contractflipping and gave care aides easier access to WCB benefits for PTSD and other mental health disorders. Funding to improve staffing levels continues to roll out.
INVESTING IN CARE | HEU member Lorlyn Fontanilla was at Vancouver Community College to welcome the announcement of more training opportunities for care aides by Health Minister Adrian Dix and Advanced Education, Skills and Training Minister Melanie Mark.
Fall/Winter Winter 2019 2018 | GUARDIAN 5
WORKING FOR YOU
HEU’S SERVICING REPRESENTATIVES travel throughout the province, supporting local stewards and activists. Reps assist with grievances, negotiations, arbitrations, and health and safety issues, while ensuring labour legislation and collective agreements are upheld. Most reps are longtime HEU members, and have a deep knowledge of, and commitment to, the union. Shown here is the team representing locals in the independent sector.
Elaine Littmann PHOTO
ADVOCATING FOR LOCALS
Betty Valenzuela | Financial Secretary
VIEWPOINT
When we know we’ve achieved something that makes a difference to HEU members’ lives, then it was a fulfilling day, and it’s all worth it.
Barb Nederpel | President
PRESIDENT’S DESK When other unions strike or are locked out, we’re among the first to join them with our flags and solidarity – to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
ONE OF MY 2019 highlights was the HEU women’s conference. I witnessed women coming out of their shell, networking, inspiring and learning from one another. As a person of colour, I was looking around the room at the diversity of the women, and I thought, “What a beautiful bouquet of flowers. We come from all over, but we are all here together as really empowered women.” I see a new generation of activists who are involved and engaged. I’m honoured they recognize my leadership role and see me as a mentor. I never expected to become an elected leader when I first became active in the labour movement.
THIS FALL, I celebrated our union’s anniversary with members all across the province. I visited locals in every part of our HEU family. From seniors’ care to hospitals, to social services and community health. I attended events with beautiful (and tasty) cakes, met hundreds of members, and at Victoria General Hospital, I got to know two sisters with a combined 87 years of HEU membership under their belts. Throughout it all, I enjoyed really good conversations with members, who are proud to be HEU. I share that pride.
Strong teams are the key to success
I’m excited about what we’ve achieved in the last couple of years. From bargaining wins, to the repeal of Bills 29 and 94 and, more generally, the overall direction that our union is headed in. This feeling of excitement is reflected by the number one question I was asked by members: “What are we doing next?” HEU members are filled with enthusiasm for our union – and so am I – because as the last 75 years have proven, we’re a force to be reckoned with. We’re the scrappy little union that could – and did. After everything we’ve gone through, we’ve never been bigger or stronger. We’re united in our solidarity and our desire to not only better our own working lives – but to improve everyone’s lives. And we have a solid track record.
When I saw my picture posted all over the walls of the women’s conference – as a leader our members said inspired them – it was very humbling. I never imagined that I inspired members. I guess as you do your work, you don’t know the impact you’re having on people or how you are inspiring people. I feel like I’m just doing my job. You have to believe in yourself. And you have to have passion. You have to believe in your team. It takes a village. Barb Nederpel, Jennifer Whiteside and I are a team. We have different roles, but we end up in the same place, which is a goal of serving and helping our members. Often, we work really long days and we are tired, but we ask ourselves, “What did we accomplish today?” and when we know we’ve achieved something that makes a difference to HEU members’ lives, then it was a fulfilling day, and it’s all worth it.
Strength comes from activist roots
During HEU’s 75th anniversary celebrations, I attended many local events. When I visited my home base – Vancouver General Hospital – where I started as a union activist, I told members that I hope I left my spirit in that local HEU office along with my enthusiasm, time and commitment. VGH is where I’m grounded. My roots started there. VGH opened my world. It’s where I learned a lot about grassroots, rank-and-file activism. A big portion of my activism took place at VGH, our union’s founding local. Women have finally come of age. We don’t sit back anymore. We speak out and demand change. And we can be proud of that.
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Forging a bright future
Solidarity more than just a word
When Bills 29 and 94 rolled out 16 years ago, it devastated HEU members and their families. But our union never gave up on making things right. We turned those bills into our rallying cry, as we waged our battle. Along the way, we entrenched collective bargaining as a constitutional right for all Canadians. For a decade and a half, we grew our membership, gained strength, and finally – righted that wrong. Dealing with that adversity reinforced our commitment to justice and unity. When other unions strike or are locked out, we’re among the first to join them with our flags and solidarity – to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. We show up for each other because the lesson of solidarity is something we’ve taken to heart. It’s more than just a word or a song. It’s an action. And with it, we’re building our union’s bright future.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Equity project breaks ground HEU has seen significant changes over the past 20 years in the composition of our union membership. We represent more women, more Indigenous members, and more people of colour than ever before. In fact, 92 per cent of HEU members surveyed in 2017 identify as members of at least one equity group (women, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ+, or a person with a disability) and 40 per cent identified as belonging to at least two equity groups. Not surprising, since B.C. is the most racially diverse province in Canada. However, the structures of our union haven’t always kept pace with reflecting the changing makeup of our membership. At the 2018 HEU convention, members voted to undertake a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy for the union. As part of that resolution, a DEI working group has been formed and will consult broadly with
AT THE 2018 CONVENTION, HEU members voted to establish a two-phase diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) project. PHASE 1: • the DEI working group will consult broadly with members on the question of representation of equityseeking groups on the P.E. • The working group will make recommendations for constitutional and policy changes to the 2020 HEU convention.
members on the question of representation of equity-seeking groups on the Provincial Executive (P.E.). This spring, the working group will be hosting regional meetings, where they’ll present potential options for the representation of equity-seeking groups on the P.E. In addition to regional meetings, we expect to be in touch with mem-
bers through a telephone town hall and other methods to gather your opinions about any potential changes. Following membership consultation, the DEI working group will make recommendations that may include constitutional and policy changes to the 2020 HEU convention. CAELIE FRAMPTON
PHASE 2: • Continue the work of transforming our union into a fully inclusive organization; consider a broad governance review beyond the P.E.; identify and initiate plans to dismantle barriers to equity and inclusion at the local level; deliver training for all levels of the organization on applying a DEI lens. • The mandate and terms of reference for Phase 2 will be adopted at the 2020 convention.
SENIORS’ CARE
THIS OCTOBER, HEU’s Provincial Executive (P.E) visited B.C.’s legislature to call for a level playing field in seniors’ care and to advocate for health care workers. Meeting with many MLAs, including Premier John Horgan, Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy, HEU raised important issues that impact members and the work they do. The union made the case that the fragmented long-term care sector’s recruitment and retention crisis can only be fixed by returning to a standardized framework for wages and working conditions. “Substandard wages and benefits are the norm in most publicly funded, privately operated seniors’ care homes,” says HEU secretary-business manager Jennifer Whiteside. “And chronic short-staffing is the result as care aides abandon these jobs to seek better wages and benefits elsewhere. “So, it was important for us to push to bring stability to seniors’ care through standardized wages and reduced workloads.” Whiteside explained that there
Caelie Frampton PHOTO
HEU urges government to level the playing field
AT THE LEGISLATURE | HEU’s Provincial Executive outside of the legislature before meeting with politicians to talk about seniors’ care and health care.
were also meetings to talk about the many issues faced by HEU members working outside of the seniors’ care sector. P.E. members shared stories of hospitals unable to meet demand, workers unable to afford rent, and burnout from working in
an overburdened system. The group observed Question Period and was recognized from the floor by Minister Dix. Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon read a statement in the legislature marking HEU’s 75th anniversary, as well
as the one-year anniversary of Bill 47, which repealed Bills 29 and 94. Kahlon’s mother was among the thousands of HEU members who lost their jobs when the legislation was enacted. SARA ROZELL
Fall/Winter Winter 2019 2018 | GUARDIAN 7
Women’s conference inspires new leaders ENERGY. MOTIVATION. INSPIRATION. Three words that resonated with the more than 100 activists and leaders, who gathered for the union’s 2019 women’s conference in September. Under the theme “Women to the Front: taking our space, building our power”, the conference – held in Richmond – aimed at teaching delegates about the history of women’s activism, including the barriers women face and strengths they bring to leadership roles; and looking at ways to strategize on building women’s participation in today’s social, economic and political context. Another main objective, during elective workshops and plenary discussions, was to encourage women to become leaders in their union and communities. For the first time in HEU’s 75-year history, three women head the union – president Barb Nederpel, financial secretary Betty Valenzuela, and secretary-business manager Jennifer Whiteside. During her remarks, Nederpel spoke about the challenges of being HEU’s first woman president. “Each wave of feminism, each generation, each action, was often considered radical – from burning our bras to the #MeToo movement – but those movements, those actions, led to change,” said Nederpel. “The struggle for women’s equality is long-standing. It’s now 2019, and we’ve come a long way. But yet – believe me – sexism is still alive and well. I experience it all
the time, even in progressive spaces. I know I have to work longer, better and harder to prove myself.”
NDP WOMEN LEADERS IN THE HOUSE
Nederpel hosted a lively and informative panel discussion with NDP MLAs Judy Darcy, Rachna Singh and Mitzi Dean. The politicians spoke about issues they feel passionate about – education, child care, health care and the environment – and encouraged new and seasoned activists to pursue leadership opportunities. “It’s really thrilling for me to see what the three of you are accomplishing as elected leaders and as role models for women,” said Nederpel. “I believe wholeheartedly that women belong wherever decisions are made. “And when that happens, the outcomes are fairer, more socially conscious, more inclusive, and greatly contribute to a better organization and a stronger society.” In her address, Whiteside spoke about how advancements for working women have often come through collective bargaining – like paid leave for women experiencing domestic or sexual violence, paid leave for pregnancy loss, and improvements to parental leave benefits. And she presented alarming statistics on gender-based wage discrimination and its impact especially on Indigenous women and women of colour. And how there’s much work still to be done. “Time and time again, women have shown
Conference quotes MAIGAN SPERLING,
DEIDRA MACBETH,
IRENE RILLERA,
CARE AIDE
SWITCHBOARD OPERATOR
CARE AIDE
Fischer Place and Mill Site Lodge, 100 Mile local
“We have so much power and strength, we just need to implement it into our lives… I’m going to spread the word, be inspiring, and raise my voice and put joy into it… I’m new to the union, so I’m just getting started. But I’m eager to spread my wings.” 8 GUARDIAN | Winter 2019
Royal Jubilee local
“It’s my first HEU conference. I’ve learned that anybody can be involved. I’m at a point in my life where my kids are grown, so I have time and I want to get involved. I’ve met lots of great people and have enjoyed all the panelists. I’m excited to be here.”
Berkley Care Centre, KCC local
“One thing I learned here is to believe. If others can, why can’t I? Education is power because we need to educate more women nowadays to what’s going on, and being able to get that fairness and equality that men are getting that we should get from the start.”
NDP WOMEN LEADERS SPEAK OUT
Sarah Race Photography PHOTOS
On what it takes to be a leader
they are not willing subjects of exploitation,” said Whiteside. “Women continue to sign union cards, often in the face of hostile attacks from their employers… And it is women who continue to form the foundation of a strong labour movement. There is such courage and strength among our members.” One of the most exciting parts of the conference was the high number of first-time
RACHNA SINGH, MLA Surrey-Green Timbers
On doing frontline research to understand the addictions crisis “We started with the people I needed to learn from about what’s working, what’s not working and what needs to change… Our partnership with First Nations is really about listening, what does land-based healing mean? “We know this is about intergenerational trauma and the history of colonialism and racism, so we need you to tell us what programs will work in Indigenous communities and we will support you on that healing path. “It’s very much about being grassroots, listening to the community because my philosophy is people on the frontline – people who are living these experiences – know a lot more than people sitting in an office in Victoria.”
“Each wave of feminism, each generation, each action, was often considered radical – but those movements, those actions, led to change.” attendees to a union event, and the many young women activists, who were new to learning about women’s history. Valenzuela, the union’s first elected Filipina financial secretary, closed the conference with words of wisdom and advice for creating a better world for women. “As a woman of colour, I no longer feel like a second-class citizen,” said Valenzuela. “I have a voice that is being recognized more and more, as society becomes increasingly diverse and inclusive. “I don’t want to see anyone left behind. If I make it halfway up the ladder, or all the way to the top, I turn around and reach out to help the woman behind me. Why? Because I want her to get to where she wants to go as well. That’s how we move forward as women – together in solidarity.”
JUDY DARCY, MLA New Westminster, B.C.’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
To women wanting to run for elected office
BRENDA WHITEHALL
BRENDA BALL, CARE AIDE Lions Gate local
“I want to be empowered, hear what other women are talking about, and know what we are fighting for. I want to be a part of that movement… There’s a lot of compassion for one another. There’s a lot of strength. You are not alone. You have everybody here behind you.”
“Believe in yourself. Believe in your passions. I never thought 10 years ago that I would be an elected official. But I had a passion for certain things – human rights, women’s issues – and I was doing whatever I could to work towards that. “As I was going that route, other people started opening doors for me… I think all women here are leaders and sometimes we’re not able to recognize that. We are just scared of things. There are barriers. There are people who will try to stop you. “But with your passion, your courage, your conviction, you can achieve leadership.”
COLLEEN NEUBAUER, HOUSEKEEPER
Compass Campbell River Hospital local
“I’ve learned that there’s more solidarity out there than I realized in the union, and it is very nice to be part of it. I want to become a shop steward, so I am trying to get as much knowledge of the union and the way it works as I can.”
“You absolutely need to be true to yourself. You need to know why you’re doing it. And you have to be really clear about what you want to achieve. And be realistic about the [work-life] balance/ imbalance thing – and think realistically about the impact. “There will be barriers, but try to find ways to overcome them, how to get around it – whether it’s your family team back home, having sisters around you who offer mentorship and ongoing support. Talk to other women who are involved, ask questions and find out as much as you can. “One of the reasons I got involved is I wanted politics to be done differently.” MITZI DEAN, MLA Esquimalt-Metchosin Winter 2019 | GUARDIAN 9
LABOUR
News from here and around the world
ICBC
HEU WINS WCB APPEAL FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS This year, HEU set an important precedent for members with chronic pain, who rely on medical cannabis for relief. An HEU member developed pain in her elbows and forearms as a result of her work as a clerk. Her claim for compensation was accepted by the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) after a lengthy appeal process. To manage her pain symptoms, the member was prescribed medical cannabis by a specialist. However, her claim for reimbursement was denied by WCB on the basis there was no substantive evidence to suggest medical marijuana is a benefit except for claims related to multiple sclerosis and/or occupational cancer. HEU appealed to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT). WCAT found medical cannabis was necessary to relieve the member from the effects of her injury, and that she’s entitled to it as an appropriate health care expenditure. This is the first WCAT decision approving the use of medical cannabis for bilateral elbow issues, and is an important expansion of its acceptance for other pain conditions.
ALEX IMPERIAL
Privatization no solution Every driver deserves good, affordable insurance coverage. And for decades, ICBC – the province’s publicly operated auto insurance corporation – delivered that. But 16 years of mismanagement by the previous B.C. Liberal government has left ICBC underfunded and in disarray. Now, private insurers and business interest groups are lining up to offer their solution – privatization. MoveUP, the union that represents 6,000 ICBC workers, is warning the public that private auto insurance won’t solve the issue of insurance rate increases. In fact, they say, private companies will eliminate ICBC’s level playing field, which sets rates based on driving experience and accident history, replacing it with a system that can discriminate based on factors like age, sex or marital status. “What we know from Alberta, Ontario and Atlantic Canada, which permit private vehicle insurance, is that young drivers would be even worse off,” says MoveUP president David Black. Black says it’s the provinces with public auto insurance that provide better service and greater value. MoveUP cites a study by Sonnet Insurance, a private company, showing that drivers in provinces with private-only insurance pay premiums that are, on average, seven per cent higher than in provinces with public insurance. He points to Manitoba, which also has a public system and just decreased its rates this year –
GETTING LESS FOR YOUR MONEY | The union that represents ICBC workers is warning the public that private auto insurance may lead to even bigger rate increases.
something that would be unlikely when profit is the priority. Black says he knows that HEU members have experienced the privatization of public services. “When you go through privatization, it generally means the workers are getting less and being asked to do more. In this case, 6,000 people would lose their jobs.” B.C. Attorney General David Eby notoriously called ICBC “a financial dumpster fire” as he promised to make drastic changes to revitalize the flagging corporation. And he’s been pointing out that the former provincial government deliberately concealed ICBC’s problems from the public. Eby’s strategy to save ICBC includes caps on payouts for
minor injuries, moves to improve road safety with red-light cameras, and higher fines for distracted drivers. The government also changed its risk-rating system for insurance, causing some real-life frustrations for drivers who will be paying more. Black says the union recognizes ICBC has serious problems to address, but thinks the provincial government is taking positive steps to tackle the significant ones. You can learn more about MoveUP’s “Driving Public” campaign, which calls on the province to fix public car insurance instead of privatizing it at <drivingpublic.ca>.
VOICES
Hope is our only option in climate crisis AS I STOOD at the corner of Hamilton and West Georgia streets on September 27, I was nearly speechless with joy. Over 100,000 climate warriors, young and old, had flooded the streets of Vancouver that day to join the international climate strike. I was incredibly moved by the multitude of emotions in the air – anger and frustration, sometimes fear and grief, but above all, hope. Through my years as an activist, I’ve often been asked what motivates me. Like my fellow climatestrikers, I was born into a world where climate crisis was already an imminent existential threat. I began my environmental work at the age of 11, not simply because I was worried about the future, but because I truly believed that we could come together and fix it. Six years later, even amid increasingly alarming global temperature projections, and persistent denial 10 GUARDIAN | Winter Fall/Winter 20192018
The connections between climate change and health make it crucial to work together.
from countless political leaders, I still believe this. As a young person, hope is really my only option. That’s why I strike – because I feel positive that it will make a difference. Earlier in September, I spoke at the HEU women’s conference about climate crisis and climate justice. Even though many participants admitted to knowing little about the climate strikes before my presentation, I was inspired by their eagerness to learn and to support our movement. The connections between climate change and health issues make it even more crucial that we all work together to defend our environment and our future. Follow @sustainteens on Twitter. ASHA MIOR Sustainabiliteens, Metro Vancouver’s youth climate justice movement
Caelie Frampton PHOTO
FIGHTING FOR HIS HEALTH | Glyn Townsend, who has lived with HIV for almost 30 years, says he has been able to access the care he needs because Canada’s system is publicly funded.
The case for public care IN WHAT MEDICARE defenders call a serious threat to Canada’s public health care system, the case of Dr. Brian Day entered into final arguments in a Vancouver courtroom on November 18. A decade ago, Day launched a legal challenge against the B.C. government after he was fined for extra-billing. In what’s known as “double-dipping,” Day was performing medical procedures in his private clinic, while billing the government for the standard fee, and then charging his patients an additional amount. Day runs one of the largest forprofit clinics in Canada – Cambie Surgery Centre – and he’s fighting to erase key protections in the B.C.
Medicare Protection Act, which he claims violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by banning duplicate private insurance for medically necessary procedures and physician extra-billing. While Day maintains that access to private services will reduce public waitlists, opponents disagree. They argue that more investment in the public system will improve wait times. “Medicare was founded in the 1960s as a public system providing equal access to health care services for everyone – regardless of income or geographic location,” says HEU president Barb Nederpel. “It was never intended to create a two-tier system, which would drain resourc-
es from the public system while allowing the wealthy to queue-jump for access to services.” Unions, including HEU, and the Canadian Doctors for Medicare, are supporting the BC Health Coalition (BCHC) as interveners in the fight to protect Medicare. According to research by the BCHC, Day has not proven the laws protecting public health care contribute to lengthy wait times or harm patients’ access to care. Instead, evidence supports public solutions as the best cure for the problem of wait times. Opponents also believe an expansion of private insurance and care would disproportionately impact patients who are not considered
“profitable” in the private system. Glyn Townsend, standing in front of a banner reading “Save Our Medicare,” spoke about the negative impact that a loss of the public health care system would have on those with complex health issues and chronic illnesses. Glyn, who has lived with HIV for almost 30 years, says he has been able to access the care he needs because Canada’s system is publicly funded. If Glyn had been forced to pay for his necessary hospital visits, which have included treatment for chicken pox and severe shingles, he might have been forced to choose between his health and bankruptcy. Final arguments are expected to span three weeks and conclude in December. Follow the case at <savemedicare.ca>.
NEWSBITES B.C. announces new health care spending
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE | Facility upgrades for hospitals and new urgent care centres are a big part of the B.C. government’s health care spending plans.
The B.C. government has formally announced major facility upgrades at Burnaby Hospital, with plans for two new patient care towers. With an investment of more than $1.3 billion, the improvements will impact every part of the existing hospital campus. Construction will begin this fall on a $16.2 million emergency room expansion at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre. People living in the central
Okanagan will soon have better access to team-based everyday health care, with the opening of an urgent and primary care centre in Kelowna. Approximately $3.64 million will be spent over two years to create 418 new health care assistant seats in 14 post-secondary institutions throughout B.C. And an innovative model of long-term care is being developed at Vancouver’s Dogwood Lodge, where a “neighbourhood style” facility, based on a traditional home design, will support adults with complex care needs. Winter 2019 | GUARDIAN 11
HEU 75TH ANNIVERSARY
HEU members take the cake for 75th
Founded in 1944, HEU is now more than 50,000 members strong. We are a union of workers who care, who truly are the heartbeat of health care. We have a time-honoured tradition of celebrating union events with cake, and this year we decided to make it official, with our “HEU Takes the Cake” contest. Out of dozens of lovingly decorated creations, our guest judge Kim Novak, president of UFCW 1518, chose one grand-prize winner and five regional winners. But the cake contest was just, well – the icing on the cake. Because the foundation of HEU is its members, and the dedication and hard work they bring to the job every shift, providing quality care to British Columbians. “I am extremely proud of our members and proud of our union’s legacy,” said HEU president Barb Nederpel. “I can’t wait to see what history we create together next.” See all the winning cakes at <heu.org/ CakeContestWinners>.
PROUD, STRONG, UNITED | HEU members across B.C. celebrated the union’s 75th birthday in style this year, with signs, balloons, banners and local get-togethers. They also threw their hearts and hands into the cake-decorating contest. The grand-prize winners, top left, were the Columbia Lodge local in Trail, whose cake stood out for its theme of diversity.
NEWSBITES Kids explore Truth and Reconciliation Students at École Laura Secord School in Winnipeg have published a collaborative book that explores the meaning of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Guided by teachers, the students in grades four to six created a book of images, poems and stories in kid-friendly language, based on the TRC’s 94 “calls to action.” Answering the Calls: A Child’s View of the 94 Calls to Action was distributed to all Winnipeg school libraries.
12 GUARDIAN | Winter 2019
Redefining gender The Merriam-Webster dictionary’s inclusion of the singular they/them pronoun is welcome news to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Non-binary people – whose gender identity isn’t exclusively male or female – have been advocating for they/them to be accepted as a singular, non-gender-specific pronoun. Advocates believe this will help remove barriers and increase acceptance for those who identify outside of the binary of male and female labels.
B.C. to increase per capita health spending A report released in November shows B.C. plans to increase next year’s per capita health spending by 3.4 per cent, the second-biggest increase among the provinces. It’s welcome news, as B.C. has lagged behind other provinces for nearly a decade. Experts say medical advances in research and technology as well as the state of the economy are key indicators in determining health spending. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, an
Rosemary Stout works on the Burns, Trauma and High Acuity Unit at VGH, where innovative dog therapy provides stress relief for patients and staff.
Unit creates safe space
When cook Adella Eliuk started at the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital 45 years ago, the kitchen used china dishware and stainless steel cutlery. About 10 years ago, they moved to disposables. Her kitchen overflowed with paper plates, Styrofoam cups, and plastic knives, forks and spoons. It all went to a landfill. Staff got serious about recycling. They placed sorting bins in convenient spots and found room for storage. And with the help of the municipal waste program, they now recycle, Adella says, “almost everything.” But the kitchen also needed to reduce its waste. So, with the support of her food services manager, Adella set a new goal. “Now, instead of juice boxes, we’re pouring into glasses,” she says. “We want to bring back real coffee cups. And we’re starting to switch to stainless steel silverware.” As a result, the kitchen has reduced its recycling volume by half in just one year. As a member of HEU’s environment subcommittee, Adella encourages members to start small, demonstrate interest, then enlist managment to implement wider plans, or influence purchasing decisions. “Recycling something doesn’t take any more work than throwing it in the garbage,” she says. And it makes a world of difference.
estimated $264 billion, or $7,068 per person, will be spent on health care in Canada this year, carving out an 11.6 per cent slice of the country’s gross domestic product. Across the country, the 2019 per capita health spending is predicted to range from $6,548 in B.C. and $6,953 in Ontario to $8,190 in Newfoundland and Labrador, and $19,061 in Nunavut. While health spending is trending upward, Ontario – under the Conservative Doug Ford government – is slashing health budgets through service cuts and privatization.
ON THE JOB
PUSHING BACK ON PLASTICS
It’s no secret working in health care is stressful. The work is often physically and emotionally draining. For those working in specialty areas, there’s an added level to that stress, but with it comes a feeling of greater job satisfaction. That’s how Rosemary Stout, a unit clerk on the Burns, Trauma and High Acuity Unit (BTHA) at Vancouver General Hospital, feels about her job. “One of the most rewarding things about working there is seeing a burn patient leave after they may have been there for several months undergoing all sorts of painful treatment,” says Rosemary, who joined HEU 12 years ago after graduating from Vancouver Community College. After spending several years in the casual pool, she landed a permanent position on the BTHA unit four years ago. “I knew after working in so many different areas throughout the hospital that the BTHA unit was my first choice. So, I waited until my kids were old enough for me to work 12-hour shifts. I like the atmosphere there. It differs from other units in that the nurses have an extremely hard workload, both physically and intellectually, but they have very good camaraderie.” Working in an environment where patients are in severe pain with debilitat- “The unit takes extra care to ing and often life-altering injuries is not for build a safe and respectful everyone. But the BTHA unit takes extra care to build a safe and respectful team team through social through social activities, like afternoon tea activities, like afternoon with baked goods, and volunteering at fun- tea with baked goods, and draising events for the B.C. firefighters’ volunteering at fundraising burn fund and youth camps. “Another special thing about our unit is events.” that we have two music therapists. They play a variety of instruments and have beautiful voices. They go into patient rooms to sing, but also go into the burn shower room, when burn patients are getting treatments. It helps to keep the patients and staff calm and focused. “We also have about five therapy dogs that come in for staff to pat. This gives brief relief to the hectic days, and the dogs certainly enjoy all the attention.”
Hospitals, drug costs and physician fees take the lion’s share of public health dollars. B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix says his government plans to earmark funds to reduce waitlists for surgeries and procedures, upgrade and build acute care hospitals, and invest in improvements to equipment and technology. The BC NDP budget predicts health spending to be about $21 billion in 2019-20, $21.5 billion in 2020-21, and $22.1 billion in 202122, with annual federal transfer payments anticipated at $5.5 billion in each of those fiscal years.
BRENDA WHITEHALL
A HISTORIC STRIKE | After more than seven weeks on the picket line, UniteHere Local 40 members won agreements at five downtown Vancouver hotels. They voted to accept a new contract at the final work site, Rosewood Hotel Georgia, on November 18. Winter 2019 | GUARDIAN 13
COFFEE BREAK
It takes a team!
HEU has over 270 job classifications. Do you know what your colleagues do?
1
Port Hardy and Port McNeill, 40 km apart, are at the northernmost reach of Vancouver Island. Each town has its own hospital, and between them about 80 HEU members work to deliver quality health care to their communities.
Broken bones are set in casts by these HEU members. a) Ophthalmic Technicians b) Orthopaedic Technologists c) Anaesthetic Aides d) Therapy Aides
Teresita Scott is a cook at the Port Hardy Hospital.
2
The duties of these HEU members include dispensing medications, preparing chemotherapy treatments, and mixing IV bags. a) Physiological Laboratory Technologist b) Nursing Unit Clerks c) Pharmacy Technicians d) Sterile Supply Supervisors
Crystal Christianson is a housekeeping laundry supervisor at the hospital in Port McNeill.
3
Operating equipment to record brain wave patterns during conditions like hyperventilation, seizures or relaxation are a few duties performed by what HEU members? a) EEG Assistants b) ECG Assistants c) Respiratory Aides d) Programmer Systems Analysts
members@heu.org
14 GUARDIAN | Winter 2019
Caelie Frampton PHOTOS
HEU MEMBERS: Send us your answers by email and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be entered in a draw to win an HEU 75th anniversary T-shirt.
Howard Glueck is a maintenance worker at the Port McNeill Hospital.
HEU PEOPLE RETIREMENTS Long-time care aide Cheryl Mymryk (Langley) retired on August 31 after 39 years of service. Cheryl previously spent six years in Winnipeg before moving to B.C., where she began working at Langley Memorial Hospital. She worked in Port Alberni for three years, and then returned to Langley to finish her career. “I will miss working with the staff at Rosewood/Marrwood,” said Cheryl. “They have become like a family over the years. I will also miss all the residents. What I won’t miss is the commute on Highway 1, and getting up early.” Cheryl’s retirement plans include travelling, spending time with her family, and volunteering at the Abbotsford Cancer Centre. Happy retirement, Cheryl. After almost 40 years of dedicated service, Dennis Storms (South Peace) retired in October from his job as a maintenance worker at Rotary Manor. He began his health care career as a laundry worker at Dawson Creek and District Hospital, where he spent 25 years. Dennis then worked at a care home in Pouce Coupe for three years, before getting hired at Rotary Manor. Active in the union, Dennis served as a local shop steward, chief shop steward, and chairperson. Described as a “people person” who enjoys the camaraderie of working as part of a team, Dennis said he’ll miss the variety of different people he meets and works with. In retirement, Dennis plans to spend more time taking care of himself. He enjoys working on cars, and owns a ride-on lawnmower and a snowplow to keep him busy year-round. HEU wishes Dennis all the best in retirement.
50,000 members in 287 locals
anything she would always help out.” Sharon loved fishing, hunting, sewing and baking. Her loss is deeply felt by her co-workers, friends and family. On November 15, Mark Roberts, a care aide/mental health worker at the Bloom Group, passed away. An HEU veteran of 30 years, Mark was instrumental in unionizing St. James Social Services Society, now known as the Bloom Group. Over the past year, Mark became more active in the union by becoming local chairperson, and attending table officer training as well as HEU summer school. Described as a very positive and strong person, Mark wanted to ensure his co-workers were treated fairly. He was also known to crack jokes and tell good stories. Mark will be missed by his friends, family and co-workers.
Also in July, Sharon Cullum passed away at the age of 68. She began working at the Stuart Lake General Hospital as a housekeeper in 1985. Sharon was active in her local, and her fellow HEU members remember her as a fantastic activist. “She was always there for everyone and took such pride in her work. If someone, whether a patient or a member, needed
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.”
EDITOR Caelie Frampton MANAGING EDITOR Elaine Littmann 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 HEU is a member of the Canadian Association of Labour Media PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE BARB NEDERPEL President JENNIFER WHITESIDE Secretary-Business Manager BETTY VALENZUELA Financial Secretary KEN ROBINSON 1st Vice-President
IN MEMORIAM Long-time activist Wendy Ament passed away in July. She worked at the Cumberland Health Centre since 1985 in laundry, dietary, and finally in housekeeping. Wendy held many local positions, including shop steward, vice chairperson, and chairperson. She enjoyed travelling with friends, and especially loved Nashville, which she considered the best place on earth. Wendy’s colleagues and friends will miss her.
Equity matters
CHECK OUT HEU’S BOUTIQUE! You can freshen up your wardrobe and show your union pride with our stylish line of HEU garb and gear. We have long-sleeved and short-sleeved tees, hoodies, jackets, ball caps and camp hats, bags, and more in many popular styles and in sizes XS to 4XL. 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>.
MOVED? Please notify us of your change of address online: www.heu.org/change-address-form
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 MONICA THIESSEN Regional Vice-President Interior
BAL SANDHU Regional Vice-President Vancouver Coastal LOUELLA VINCENT Regional Vice-President Vancouver Coastal KAREN MCVEIGH Regional Vice-President Vancouver Coastal LISA CREMA Regional Vice-President North TERRESSA JAMERSON 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 PROVINCIAL OFFICE 5000 North Fraser Way Burnaby V5J 5M3 604-438-5000 1-800-663-5813 EMAIL heu@heu.org WEB www.heu.org REGIONAL OFFICES
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
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Winter 2019 | GUARDIAN 15
Guardian
Season’s Greetings
HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES’ UNION
AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
WINTER 2019 • VOL. 37 • NO. 3
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RETURN TO The Guardian 5000 North Fraser Way Burnaby, B.C. V5J 5M3
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Seniors’ care faces workload emergency