About 600 delegates representing 43,000 health and community social services workers will gather in Vancouver next week for the 26th biennial convention of the Hospital Employees' Union. The convention runs from Monday, November 3 through Friday, November 7.
During the week, delegates will discuss seniors’ care, privatization and key issues affecting health care delivery such as workload and a critical labour shortage.
They will also elect a new president as Fred Muzin, who has held the position for 15 years, has announced that he will not run for re-election.
Secretary-business manager Judy Darcy will deliver her report to convention at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4. And provincial NDP leader Carole James will speak to the delegates at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3.
Media are welcome to attend the convention at the Hyatt Regency (Burrard and West Georgia). The convention is called to order at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3 and reconvenes at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday through Friday.
HEU members work for public, non-profit and private employers in a variety of care settings including hospitals, long-term care homes, community agencies and First Nations health centres.
They cover more than 300 different job categories in areas such as: nursing (licensed practical nurses and care aides); trades and maintenance: diagnostic testing; logistics and supply; cleaning and dietary; laundry; home support and group homes; patient and medical records; human resources; information systems; and many others.