Workers across the country experience racism on the job and in their communities. Alarming patterns of racism in Canada, including acts of Islamophobia, anti-immigrant sentiments, expressions of white nationalism, and the inequitable treatment of Indigenous peoples – while not new – speak to the urgent need for unions to proactively challenge racism and discrimination in its overt and subtle forms.
By Vicky Grant, HSA member
I have been working at BC Cancer as a radiation therapist for almost 25 years. Most of that time has been at the Surrey Centre, formerly known as the Fraser Valley Cancer Center. Radiation therapists are involved in planning and delivering radiation therapy treatment to cancer patients, and assist in assessing and managing the treatment’s side effects.
* updated December 13, 2019 to clarify that under the amended policy, it is still mandatory to report vaccination status, but no longer mandatory to wear a mask if not vaccinated.
After years of controversy surrounding the province’s “vaccinate or mask” policy for health care workers during the flu season, the provincial policy has been amended to remove the disciplinary portion of the policy, where health care workers were at risk of being fired if they did not get a flu shot.
All workers have a right to a safe work environment. Unions have a significant role to play in ensuring that our workplaces are safe. Workplace violence can take the form of physical aggression such as hitting, biting or kicking. It also includes verbal threats, swearing, name-calling and bullying. Violence is not part of anyone’s job and the repercussions of workers being exposed to violence can be devastating, affecting their physical and mental health as well as their job satisfaction.
HSA Basic Steward/OH&S Training Dates 2020
Registration Information:
ABOUT SHAI
Registration Information:
Stewards and/or Supervisors may register by logging into My Events Registration. Workshops are listed under Steward Education events.
Basic Steward Training (3 days)
The David Bland Memorial Award is awarded annually to an HSA member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the area of occupational health and safety and who has made a meaningful difference in the lives of their fellow HSA members.
The award was established by HSA's board of directors to honour HSA member David Bland, a vocational counsellor from Richmond Mental Health who was killed at his workplace by a former client.
GETTING CREATIVE WITH OH&S EDUCATION
SAFETY SCENARIOS, DRAWS, AND JARS
By Kiren Klair and Kristen Honeybourne
The Report, December 2018
