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their communities
COVID-19 IN THE COMMUNITY Safety measures bring unique challenges for Indigenous communities
INDIGENOUS communities in B.C. were among the first to spring into action when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Recognizing the massive risks the virus could bring to isolated, under-resourced communities, local First Nations governments worked quickly to implement travel restrictions and encourage physical distancing.
While the restrictions were necessary, they placed a burden on people living where access to groceries, public transportation, and community and health services were already inadequate.
“People in my community would have to drive three hours to the next community to get toilet paper, which was limited to one package per family,” explains Lorraine Half, an HEU member from the Gitxsan Nation, who works with Gitxsan Health Society.
Half experienced firsthand how the pandemic created challenges in her work as an addictions counsellor, as phone and video check-ins often replaced in-person visits. “So much of my work addressing trauma is hands-on and body-centred,” she explains. “When I can’t see a client physically, there is a loss of connection.”
Travel restrictions also increased social isolation for many.
“Phone calls were about all we could do to reach communities that had been closed off,” says Barb Clark, co-chair of HEU’s Indigenous Peoples Standing Committee. “Elders were feeling quite scared to leave their homes.”
But communities found new ways to support each other.
Daniel Henry is an HEU member from Terrace, who works part-time as a casual health care worker and full-time as a teacher. His school had to cancel its annual “Soup Feast” gathering that provides food to families in need, while sharing cultural knowledge about the ingredients.
Instead of a communal event, the school delivered soup packages to families’ doors. “This provided families a great opportunity to prepare and share a meal together at home,” says Henry.
For some members at First Nations health centres, the pandemic response also highlights disparities between them and other health care workers. While pandemic pay has been announced for most health care workers in the province, it remains unclear whether or not this premium also applies to many health care workers working at First Nations health centres.
“We put ourselves in as much risk as our colleagues who work in hospitals,” says Half. “We should be benefitting from the same supports as other health care workers.”
The pandemic intensified the challenges many Indigenous Peoples were already experiencing within the health care system and their communities – and brought to light what needs to change.
Heather Mandziuk, a nursing assistant in Burnaby and co-chair of the HEU Indigenous Peoples Standing Committee, hopes that with better understanding of Indigenous history and culture, particularly the intergenerational impacts of trauma, the system can deliver health care in a more compassionate, caring and equitable way through this crisis and beyond. THI VU
NEWSBITES
COVID-19 in Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act, making it easier for workers to receive benefits should they contract the virus on the job.
Known as “presumptive coverage”, it would expedite the process for workers filing WSBC claims because “workers who contract this disease won’t need to jump through unnecessary hoops to prove their work-related illness,” said Laird Cronk, president of the B.C. Federation of Labour.
“These essential workers shouldn’t have to go to the effort of proving their infection is workrelated, at a time when they should be focusing on their health and their families while recovering from this terrible disease,” said Cronk. The change will be implemented in about six months, much faster than the standard 18 to 24-month process for adding a disease to the Act.
As of June 24, there were 647 COVID-related WSBC claims. Over half of those are health care and social services workers.
HEU encourages members to file a claim, if they believe they contracted the virus at work. Find out how to file at <heu.org/work safebcwcb-claims>.
Alberta assaults union rights
Amid public health and economic crises, Alberta's unions are under attack by their Conservative provincial government.
Bill 32 – Restoring Balance in Alberta Workplaces Act – was introduced July 8, and contains changes to the province’s Labour Relations Code that limit unions’ public advocacy work.
If passed, the bill would require workers to “opt-in” to using dues for social causes, charities, or groups affiliated with a political party.
A separate bill, called the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act, was passed in June. It limits where unions can picket, and makes it illegal to obstruct anyone from crossing a picket line.
Although the government claims this law is aimed at blockade protesters, many observers have noted the definition of “essential infrastructure” can include sidewalks, boulevards and ditches, which
HEU MEMBERS REACH OUT Migrant farmworkers get support and solidarity from HEU local
WHEN FARMS in British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta became hotspots for COVID-19 outbreaks, it brought to light the unsafe and precarious working conditions of migrant farmworkers.
From cramped living quarters to lack of sick leave provisions, these workers are among the most vulnerable in Canada. Most migrant farmworkers use what little money they earn to also support families and loved ones in their home countries.
As temporary foreign workers, they do not enjoy the same employment standards as Canadian workers, and are often exposed to intimidation and retaliation from employers. And yet, they’re essential to our food supply system.
For a group of HEU members in Maple Ridge, the plight of migrant farmworkers is nothing new. They have long been aware of how much this group of workers is exploited, and how isolated they are from the community.
“Migrant workers come here with very little,” says Lina Fernandez, a care aide at Ridge Meadows Hospital. “They don’t get support from the government, and they don’t get support from their employers.”
In 2018, members at HEU’s Maple Ridge local started collaborating with parishioners at St. Luke’s Catholic Church to organize a monthly gathering for farmworkers from Mexico and South America. Volunteers pick up workers from their farms and drive them to the church to get cooked meals and supplies.
This event draws in other community groups, such as a local choir that sings in Spanish, and volunteers from Surrey’s Korean community, who provide luggage filled with clothes and shoes.
Fernandez, who also serves as secretary-treasurer of HEU’s Maple Ridge local, began helping with these gatherings in 2019. This collaboration with St. Luke’s was initiated by former care aide Maria Rodriguez, who is now a staff member at HEU.
Every month, several members of the local donate their time to cook and provide food at the gatherings.
In February, the local was making plans to start a “Pillowcase Welcome Package” campaign.
“We would sponsor a pillowcase by buying and donating things to put in the pillowcases that would be useful to the workers,” explains Fernandez.
PHOTO Cleo Favis
could criminalize many types of demonstrations and gatherings.
The Alberta Union of Public Employees has launched a constitutional challenge to this new law, calling it “an attack on our freedom to take part in peaceful protests, which is recognized as an essential part of democracy.”
Police practices under review
George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in Minnesota sparked an international wave of protest against anti-Black and antiIndigenous racism. It also opened conversations about police and law enforcement, focusing on their interactions with Indigenous and Black people.
Indigenous communities across Canada have highlighted the ongoing racism they’ve experienced from the RCMP.
Nationwide calls from community groups to “defund the police” have prompted policy-makers in many jurisdictions to look more closely at police roles and practices.
In B.C., the provincial government has moved to review the SERVING UP SUPPORT | Members of the Maple Ridge local donate their time to cook for monthly gatherings for migrant farmworkers in their community.
The pillowcases – filled with necessities like toilet paper, toothbrushes, shampoo, disposable razors and socks – were to be distributed at the monthly gatherings. Using a pillowcase to package the donated items is significant because many migrant workers aren’t provided with proper bedding in their sleeping quarters.
Unfortunately, the project was put on hold indefinitely at the beginning of the pandemic.
The Maple Ridge local members are proud of their community work, and enjoy the opportunity to offer support to a vulnerable group.
“When I arrived in Canada as a nanny, I had no connections, and it was really hard,” says Fernandez. “By doing this, I’m paying back for all the
THI VU
help that I’ve gotten over the years.”
Joshua Berson PHOTO
Police Act, which has not been updated for 45 years.
Municipalities are also taking a more critical look at policing. A recent motion put forward at Vancouver City Council calls for an end to street checks by the city’s police department.
Knowledge is the best protection
Do you know the best practices around personal protective equipment (PPE)? Check all that apply.
As a health care worker, is it okay to wear a homemade cloth mask at work? ❑
Yes, if my patient has not been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Yes, if I am not working directly with patients.
Yes, if it is made of two layers of tightly woven fabric.
No, cloth masks are never appropriate for health care workers.
You are providing routine treatment for a patient, who is under investigation or confirmed to have COVID-19. Which of the following are part of required PPE for contact and droplet precautions? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Gloves.
Gown.
Surgical or medical mask.
N95 respirator.
Eye or face protection, such as a visor or goggles.
All of the above.
I am wearing a surgical mask while at work in a long-term care facility. How often should I change my mask? ❑ ❑ ❑
Every two hours.
Every four hours.
When it becomes wet, damaged or visibly soiled.
If I leave the facility for my break.
At the end of my shift.
You can find all the answers to these questions, and other information about staying safe at work, on our website at heu.org/heu-and-covid-19.
HEU is following guidance from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control and the provincial health authorities for health care employers and health care workers to minimize their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
HEU MEMBERS: Send us your answers by email. We’ll send you back a prize and enter you in a draw to win an HEU 75th anniversary T-shirt.
HEU members at Nicola Lodge are some of the newest to join the HEU family. Located in Port Coquitlam, this long-term care site was organized in February 2020.
Gurdeep Parhar works in food services.
Hannah Poelzer-Nielsen is a licensed practical nurse.
RETIREMENTS
Robin Billas retired in February after 20 years. She spent five years at Chemainus Health Care Centre and 15 years at Kiwanis Village Lodge as a recreation aide. An activist, Robin served as a warden and conductor. “I am grateful for having a vocation that was so rewarding and fulfilling,” she says. “Being a member of a strong union that not only cared about the worker, but also the vulnerable members of society, mattered a lot to me.” Robin’s plans include spending time with her family, garden, and dragon boat club.
After more than 45 years of service, Eunice Cochrane retired in January. She spent the last 25 years at Vernon Jubilee Hospital as a dietary aide. “I enjoyed taking care of my patients, communicating with them, and doing what I could to make their day better. I will miss that and my co-workers,” said Eunice. One co-worker describes Eunice as “funny, generous and hardworking.” After retirement, Eunice plans on doing more gardening and enjoying life.
Gina Horne retired in February from South Island Health Services, where she worked as a financial coordinator since 2003. She served as her local’s secretary-treasurer and was on the bargaining committee in 2018. Outside of work, Gina was the purchaser for her church kitchen.
Her retirement plans include redoing her backyard and taking an RV trip across Canada. “I am ready to embark on a new journey,” said Gina.
In January, after 30 years, Janine Migneault retired as a team clerk at the Saanich Community Health Unit, where she also served as shop steward and trustee. Janine says, “I’ll miss doing my steward work and working with many great people.” After retirement, Janine plans on taking an Alaskan cruise, joining a choir, spending time with her family, and hanging out on Gabriola Island.
IN MEMORIAM
Sadly, Jenna Brittain passed away from diabetes complications on January 23. She worked as a nursing unit assistant at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Only 29, Jenna was a young woman with a bright future. She had a contagious smile and kind soul. Jenna was a caring, giving and hardworking person, who was an asset to her co-workers and patients. She’ll be missed as a peer and loving friend. Tragically, 26-year-old Delaram Dadashnejad was on board the Ukrainian plane shot down in Iran on January 8, killing 176 people. She worked at St. Paul’s Hospital as a dietary worker. Delaram was studying nutrition at Langara College. Her goal was to become a dietician and build a new life in Canada. A loving, compassionate and motivated person who was always helping others, Delaram will be remembered by her colleagues, friends and family.
Long-time activist John Fraser died in January after a lengthy illness. A dedicated fighter for workers’ rights, he was a dietary worker at Powell River General Hospital. John was proud to represent HEU members on the Provincial Executive from 2010 to 2018. He was also chair and chief shop steward of his local. John had a big heart and would do anything for a friend. He’ll be missed by family, friends, HEU members and staff.
After retiring from Rotary Manor as a maintenance worker last October, Dennis Storms died in January. He started at Dawson Creek and District Hospital, and served as a shop steward, chief shop steward and chairperson for his local. Co-worker Leo Gauley says, “He was an awesome guy to work with. He taught me a lot about maintenance. He was my best friend.” Dennis will be missed by his colleagues, family and friends.
Lorna Tourangeau passed away last November. She worked at Fort Nelson General Hospital as a housekeeper. Lorna served as secretary-treasurer and trustee for her local, where she welcomed and supported new staff members. She shared her affectionate attitude and generous spirit with all. Lorna loved to cook and brought goodies to the Elders and to fundraising fairs. She was proud of her Indigenous heritage. Lorna will be deeply missed.
Long-time activist Josie Whitehead passed away last December after a brave battle with cancer. She worked at Amata Transition House as a PEACE coordinator. Josie was local chairperson and attended many HEU workshops, conferences and conventions. She also served on the Indigenous Peoples Standing Committee. Josie was active in her community, especially with Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Quesnel. “Her dedication and commitment to helping others was unsurpassed,” says a close friend. Josie will be remembered as a generous loving soul. She’ll be dearly missed by her family, friends and colleagues.
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
Vancouver Coastal
“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 BAL SANDHU Regional Vice-President
Labour Media 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
PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE BARB NEDERPEL President JENNIFER WHITESIDE Secretary-Business Manager BETTY VALENZUELA Financial Secretary KEN ROBINSON 1st Vice-President 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 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
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