We never thought we would have to worry about getting PPE
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“Our department supplies the sterile equipment that's needed in the operating room (OR) and other areas of the hospital. The OR sends their reusable instruments to us, and we collect equipment from the rest of the hospital to process and distribute. The …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
We hold their hands and try to have that connection with them
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“In residential care our number one priority is looking after the residents and making sure all their needs are met. From getting them out of bed and fed, to helping with hair. We make sure they’re comfortable. We spend time with residents and get them …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
Government issues province-wide policy for mask use in health facilities
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The Ministry of Health is requiring all visitors and out-patients to wear medical-grade masks when visiting a health care facility including hospitals, long-term care facilities and assisted living. While the November 5 policy doesn’t change mask …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
It’s like a war against this disease
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“Lately I’ve been thinking that putting on our masks and gloves every day, it’s like we’re going to war. It’s like a war against this disease. I go onto the COVID floor and overall, I wear a lot more PPE now. There’s now masks, more handwashing, and I …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
Contracted support service workers to elect bargaining committee in November/December
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Contracted Support Service workers (CSSW) who work in housekeeping, dietary and retail services in health facilities are preparing for their next round of bargaining with private contractors. Collective agreements expired in September 2020 for more than …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
We play a vital role in health care
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“I'm a single mom and when COVID started I was afraid to bring it home to my son. When I came home from work, my shoes would stay outside, all my clothes would go straight into the washing machine. I would shower and wipe down everything I touched. My son …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
As the pandemic evolves, we continue to adapt
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“Every day, there's something new in the ever-changing health care environment. I’m an activity worker in a long-term care unit that is attached to a hospital. We have direct contact with our residents, so we’re screened before and after our shifts. We …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021
HEU’s stands in solidarity with Alberta health care workers
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This week, HEU sent a letter the Alberta Federation of Labour, expressing our support and solidarity to Alberta health care workers during this time. HEU, which represents more than 50,000 health care workers in British Columbia, stands in solidarity with …
Last updated: Jun 22, 2021
HEU condemns anti-Indigenous violence targeting Mi’kmaq fishing rights
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The Hospital Employees’ Union strongly condemns anti-Indigenous racism and violence that's taking place in the lobster fishery on the Nova Scotia coast. In recent weeks, Mi’kmaq people’s inherent right to hunt, fish and gather in their territories has …
Last updated: Jun 23, 2021
HEU supports BCGEU in constitutional challenge of picketing restrictions
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HEU is proud to be supporting the BCGEU in their trailblazing constitutional challenge of the BC Labour Code’s picketing provisions arising from the strike at Gateway Casinos. The case is being heard this week. In B.C., trade unions are prohibited from …
Last updated: Jun 1, 2021