The provincial president of the Hospital Employees’ Union Fred Muzin has decided not to seek re-election at the union’s convention this November.
Muzin, 58, has held the post since 1993 and has been re-elected seven times.
He served as president at a time when union members faced unprecedented attacks including thousands of layoffs due to privatization, and imposed wage rollbacks.
“Today we have a strong and stable union because our members have shown solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity,” says Muzin. “We also have a solid leadership team, and staff that are dedicated to our members’ interests.
“Because of these factors, I believe it is a good time for a transition.”
Muzin was first elected to HEU’s Provincial Executive and provincial bargaining committee in 1986. He is a regional vice-president on the National Executive Board of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, and an officer of the B.C. Federation of Labour.
He is also a vocal advocate for social justice causes in the community, and is an active supporter of global solidarity.
Muzin was a biomedical engineering technologist at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver before becoming president in 1993.
As president, Muzin is one of three full-time officers of the union. The other two full-time officers are Judy Darcy, the secretary-business manager, and Donisa Bernardo, the financial secretary.
HEU is the largest health care union in B.C. representing 43,000 workers in hospitals, long-term care and assisted living facilities, community health and social service agencies and health centres. The union was founded in 1944.