CUPE 2330

The 56^th Annual Division Convention May 26th – 29th

Local 2330 had 12 members attend the 2019 CUPE NS Convention in Membertou from May 26th – 29th. For some of our members who were in attendance it was their very first convention, and for some it was their last convention. It was a convention full of inspiration, enthusiasm, passion and solidarity.

One of the first highlights of convention for Local 2330 was when our brother and Secretary Treasurer, Neeraj Goli, introduced CUPE National President Mark Hancock. Raj was honoured to be asked to introduce Mark Hancock and revealed in the experience. Raj did an exceptional job and we were all so proud of him. Another major highlight for our local at this years convention was when Nan McFadgen was acclaimed for another term in her seat as CUPE NS President. Congratulations Nan, we are proud to have you as our division leader.

During committee elections, Local 2330 member President Rose Best was elected to the CUPE NS Pension Committee and Riverview Home Site Rep. Krysten Black was elected to the Global Justice Committee as a young worker. Congratulations sisters, these committees are lucky to have you both as committed and passionate activists.

During the whole of convention, brother Ralph Vickers was busy working behind the scenes and on stage as member of the Constitutional Amendments and Resolutions Committee. We are so thankful for his hard work.

It was a great convention with so many amazing unionists in attendance. We all walked away inspired and ready to return to our local with fresh new ideas to build towards a better future while making our existing foundation stronger. Here’s to next year!

 

The convention bulletins and agendas can be found on the CUPE NS website by clicking the link below.

https://novascotia.cupe.ca/calendar/convention-2019/

Additional photos from CUPE NS Flickr account:

On May 25th & 26th 2019 the Long Term Care Coordinating Committee held their conference at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, Sydney, Nova Scotia. There was a great turnout for the event full of dedicated and passionate Long Term Care CUPE members.

Day 1

The Conference commenced with introduction of the head table and greetings from Councillor Graham Marshall, followed by a tribute to Kelly Murray- past Coordinator for Long Term Care. A moment of silence was held by all.

Following the minutes from the 2018 Conference we heard the Chairperson’s report, Area VP reports including the New Glasgow area VP report from our Local President Rose Best highlighting the ‘It’s Time to Care’ campaign, the Secretary-Treasurers report and the Trustee’s report.

Closing the end of the first day we heard a presentation on Attendance Programs from Susan D Coen, Legal and Legislative Representative, Atlantic Region. Ideas that were touched upon include:

• Last chance agreements can sometimes be used for exceptionally bad situations & need to support human rights, unless there has been truly proven undue hardship. Employers can push these agreements too early.
• Employers must exercise discretion for individual situations and not blanket all situations.
• Attendance programs are often well designed but poorly administered.
• Accommodations are like a 3 legged stool; all three legs need to be committed to work properly.
  • Employer
  • Union
  • Employee
• Job postings can be discriminatory if they discourage someone with a disability; mental or physical.
• Presenteeism is a current issue in our workplaces. -sick or injured employees present at work when they shouldn’t be due to fear of repercussions/discipline.

Day 2

The second day of the LTCCCC commenced with Jacquie Bramwell the Atlantic Regional Director addressing the room, followed by a speech from CUPE NS President Nan McFadgen. Nan highlighted the current LTC crisis and how we can fight to move forward. In closing her talk, Nan sent the whole room into applause of agreement when she stated ‘Vote like your jobs depend on it, because they do.’

Following Nan McFadgen was a presentation from Danny Cavanagh of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour before we heard from a panel on the current working conditions in Long Term Care in Nova Scotia.

The panelists included Jenna Brookfield from CUPE OHS, Govind Rao CUPE National Research Representative, Mae Smith LTCC area VP for Cape Breton and Chris Parsons of the Nova Scotia Health Care Coalition. The panelists spoke on working conditions in Long Term Care and how we can fight back.

Jenna Brookfield presented findings on a recent online survey that the Nova Scotia Long-Term Care Committee conducted regarding working short & violence in the workplace for LTC workers. The results were clear..

• 0.25% of Long Term Care workers that participated in the survey stated that they have NEVER worked short.
• 46% of Long Term Care workers that participated in the survey stated that they worked short DAILY.
• 37% of Long Term Care workers that participated in the survey stated that they worked short EVERY WEEK.
• 98.7% of Long Term Care workers that participated in the survey stated that they have experienced and/or witnessed violence in the workplace.
• on average LTC workers are working 15 hours above their scheduled shift through mandating with the longest shift reported being 38 hours long.

These numbers are not okay, we NEED to do something and we need to show them the solution. We need to support those who provide the support.

With the room full of union leaders at the LTCCCC, the room was asked: ‘How many of you have worked short?’… every hand in the room was raised. Next the question was asked: ‘How many of you have experienced violence in the workplace?’. Again, every hand in the room raised.

Workplace violence is not part of the job and together we need to work to improve workplace conditions in the Long Term Care sector.

On June 5th Jenna Brookfield CUPE OHS travelled to Ottawa to present on workplace violence in the healthcare sector to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. Below is a picture shared by Jenna with the following: ‘It was a privilege to be asked to testify before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. Workplace violence is a serious and growing problem in the healthcare system and I am excited that it’s getting attention at the highest levels of power in this county.’

Click the link below to listen to Jenna Brookfield speak about violence faced by CUPE members in health care and how we can better protect our workers, on Maritime Connection with Preston Mulligan.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1534712387868

The latter half of the day wrapped up with Kathy MacLeod Long Term Care Coordinator, Kim Cail Community Services Coordinator, Constitutional Amendments & nominations and elections for the LTCCC Board.

Below: Local 2330 President Rose Best up to the mic to speak on constitutional amendments in relation to the workers that she services as Regional VP for New Glasgow area and all LTC workers in the current health care crisis.

During nominations and elections for the LTCCC Board our own Local President, Rose Best was nominated and acclaimed as the 2 year Regional VP for New Glasgow area, with brother Ralph Vickers Vice President of Local 2330 announced as the alternate. Congratulations to you both, we know you will represent us well!

Below: Newly elected LTCCC Board members.