Young people from across the planet are demanding urgent action on the global climate crisis. They are holding governments and corporations to account for their failure to act. Inspired by youth climate activist Greta Thunberg, a global week of action culminates on Friday, September 27 with a Global Climate Strike in communities small and large across the planet.
As health care workers, HEU members are well aware of the impact of the climate crisis on the physical and mental health of our communities.
Last year’s forest fires took a huge toll on the physical and mental health of many in Interior communities including HEU members who struggled to protect their own homes and families while caring for vulnerable patients and residents.
Every day, our members provide health care to those who don’t have access to clean drinking water in indigenous communities, or who deal with chronic illnesses resulting from environmental toxins in their workplaces or in their communities.
Many HEU members have family connections to communities in the Global South whose very existence is threatened by rising sea levels, growing food insecurity, and unprecedented weather events.
We must act, and HEU supports this week’s climate actions and this Friday’s Global Climate Strike. HEU members are encouraged to participate in activities where and when they can.
It’s important to note that “strike” has a particular meaning in unionized workplaces. The Global Climate Strike is not a legal strike within the meaning of BC’s labour laws. If you wish to participate in Friday’s actions, please do so outside regular working hours.
If you encounter a picket line at your workplace, please contact a steward or an HEU servicing representative for direction.
Actions are planned in several BC communities on Friday including an action starting at Vancouver City Hall at 1 p.m. Find out if there’s an action in your community here: