“I work in long-term care in recreation. Since the pandemic, we’ve been the main link between the residents and their families.
We used to have laughter therapy, chair yoga, and outings. But now, all of this has fallen on my team of co-workers to think ‘outside the box’ and get creative.
Our residents are lonely and in need of more attention, so we’re filling that void as well. We’re looking ahead now to April, and starting to bring some outside entertainers in for the first time since the pandemic started.
I absolutely adore what I do. I like bringing smiles and laughter to the residents.
I’ve held almost every job on my union’s local executive. I tell people that the union brought you the weekend, sick days and a five-day work week. These are things we tend to take for granted. I remind new people that we ensure the employer is following the contract we both agreed to.
My advice to other health care workers: get to know your union local and learn the history. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. When I got involved in my union local, I was very shy and quiet, but it’s given me a voice and allowed me to build confidence.
I’ve gotten to know some great people over the years. I’ve realized that the concerns we have over workload, for example, that we’re not alone. And as locals, we can help each other.
I’m really proud of every health care worker during this pandemic. Everybody’s just shown how strong and resilient we are. It’s inspiring.”
- Lucie, activity worker, part of the health care team