Community health workers, members of the Hospital Employees' Union, are holding a brief rally and march on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to draw attention to the gap that exists between their wages and those of workers in hospitals and long-term care homes.
Monday, March 12 1:45 p.m. Oppenheimer Park (East Side) 400 block Cordova (at Jackson) Vancouver
60,000 health care workers represented by a dozen unions including HEU are currently in contract talks. A quarter of these workers provide health services and support in the community sector and many are paid about $3.50 an hour less than those doing the same work in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
The rally is sponsored by HEU locals representing more than 400 front-line community health workers from St. James Community Services Society, Coast Foundation and the Mental Patients’ Association. They're employed as mental health and financial aid workers, transition house staff, cooks and food service workers, maintenance and cleaning staff and clerical support.
-30- For more information, please contact at 604/734-3431: Mike Old, communications officer, 604/828-6771 (cell)