Equity project breaks ground
News
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 …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
Special leave and the meaning of "providing care"
News
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, …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
Reducing injuries for health care workers focus of new safety organization
News
B.C. MINISTRY OF HEALTH NEWS RELEASE: The provincial government is taking action to make work safer for health care workers by committing $8.5 million over three years for a new organization that will address workplace safety. The new agency will tackle …
Last updated: Dec 12, 2025
HEU joins Health Minister to announce new OH&S organization
News
HEU secretary-business manager Jennifer Whiteside co-chaired a working group that developed the plan for a new health and safety organization with a mandate to reduce injuries and improve safety in B.C.’s health sector. On December 8, Whiteside joined …
Last updated: Dec 12, 2025
Flu policy update: No discipline for health workers who choose not to vaccinate or wear masks
News
Provincial health officials and BC’s health employers have changed their approach to influenza prevention in health care workplaces. After consulting with health care unions and professional organizations, the Health Employers Association of B.C. …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
National Day of Remembrance and Action to End Violence against Women is December 6
News
Gender-based violence – especially violence against marginalized women – is still an alarming problem in today’s society. The devastating impact of violence experienced in Canada’s residential schools and the national inquiry into B.C.’s missing and …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3
News
Established by the United Nations (UN) in 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities recognizes the social, political and economic challenges people with disabilities encounter every single day. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate their …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
World AIDS Day 2019 focuses on community engagement
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On December 1, people around the world will come together to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This year, the World AIDS Day theme — Communities make the difference — is a critical opportunity for the global community to show support for people living …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
Transgender Day of Remembrance marked internationally - November 20
News
On November 28, 1998, Rita Hester, a transgender African American woman, was murdered in Massachusetts, two days before her 35th birthday. It was a brutal hate crime. Now, more than two decades later, anti-transgender violence is still an international …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
B.C.’s largest health care union turns 75 with celebrations across province
News
For the past several weeks, the 50,000 members of the Hospital Employees’ Union have been holding local events to celebrate this milestone birthday for HEU – a union that has a long and proud tradition of fighting for workers’ rights, human rights and …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021