UPDATE MAGAZINE July/August 2016
the underfunding of care homes by health authorities is leading more operators to contract out, and pointed to Burnaby’s 300-bed George Derby Centre as an example of this when it recently pink-slipped 54 full-time nurses. Management at the facility recently announced budget-cutting measures that nurses says will directly impact safe resident care. “We will not stand for the erosion of care for our seniors and our veterans,” said Duteil. “Today we will stand up for the residents of George Derby and I am counting on each of you to help us do so.”
BARGAINING REPORT
BCNU Executive Director of Negotiations and Strategic Development Gary Fane took to the stage on day one of the convention to thank the union’s provincial bargaining committee for the work it did over several months to secure the new provincial contract. He said that the bargaining environment during this round of negotiations
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gaining table as one of the most frustrating obstacles facing nurses. “You all deserve more than 5.5 percent,” Fane told delegates, referring to the fixed fiscal envelope that the provincial government successfully forced on all public sector bargaining associations. Fane reported that preparations are already under way for the next round of NBA contract negotiations, and that talks will take place according to BCNU’s schedule, not those of the government or other unions.
BARGAINING REPORT BCNU Executive Director of Negotiations and Strategic Development Gary Fane congratulates the union’s bargaining committee for its work in securing a new provincial contract.
was especially difficult, and pointed to the “me-too” clause negotiated by the Health Sciences Association at the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association bar-
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR GEORGE DERBY SENIORS The first day of convention wrapped up with a candlelight vigil for the George Derby residents affected by management’s cuts at the facility. Over 350 BCNU members donned black clothing and lit candles to honour the veterans and seniors living at the home. “Increasingly, we see care homes trying to cut costs on the backs of vulnerable seniors,” said Duteil. “At the George Derby
FIRST-TIME DELEGATES’ VIEWS WHY DID YOU ATTEND CONVENTION THIS YEAR?
ANGELA ACHOBA Kamloops “I’ve been a steward for just about a year, and through that time I’ve seen a lot of work the union has been doing on our behalf. I thought that coming to convention would help me to learn what the union stands for, and I could bring that knowledge and information back to the members.”
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FRED PANGAN Surrey “It’s a privilege to be part of a union that has such an impact on the community of nursing. This participation is new for me, but I have been working for a while. I started as a care aide 20 years ago, then I transitioned to LPN. There is so much on offer at convention. It will be good to see and hear it.”
LANA WASYLKIW Kelowna “I’ve never been to convention before and I was intrigued with the terms of the new contract. I’m also interested in the rules that govern the union, and being here is a great way to find out.”
7/14/2016 11:07:11 AM