Anti-Olympics activist detained at border then deported ... Tory cabinet minister's office blocked full release of report ... Good news labour numbers hide bad news for many workers ... Harper runs roughshod over women's rights ... Most Canadians think Vancouver Olympics will go over budget, says poll ...

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UPN Convention 2010 - Official Call

The 2010 Convention of the Union of Psychiatric Nurses will take place at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, 1155 Resort Drive, in beautiful Parksville, B. C.

The Convention will begin with Dinner Wednesday May 26th @ 7:00 p.m. in the Grand Moriarty Room and the Education Day, Thursday, May 27th @ 900h in the Walbran Room followed by dinner and entertainment in the evening. The business meeting will be held on May 28th.

Full DETAILS HERE.

Registration form HERE

Please return your reservation form to the UPN office as soon as possible to ensure confirmation of your room reservation and meals at the hotel. A detailed Convention Program will be sent out in mid April.

Registration forms are due in the UPN Office prior to APRIL 22, 2010

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UPN Labour Relations Officer Position Created

At the January Council Meeting it was approved to create a new Labour Relations Officer (LRO) to provide improved membership service. A search process will begin shortly to seek applicants for this position. Preference will be given to members of the UPN who have experience.

In the short-term, Charles Ballantyne has agreed to act as the interim LRO beginning on February 1st until July 30th, 2010. Charles has been an active member of the UPN for quite a few years and was currently the elected Vice-President of the UPN. He has also recently completed the 12-week Labour Relations program offered in conjunction with Capilano College’s Labour Studies department. In order to fill this position, Charles has resigned as Vice-President as it would have been a conflict of interest for him to hold both positions. Philip Oosterman has been appointed by Council to fill in as Vice-President for the remainder of the term.

In making the decision to create the Labour Relations Officer position, Council determined that it was essential that the membership receive broader representation in the workplace. In particular, this was felt to be important during these times of economic downturn, reorganization and cost-cutting that is impacting members on all levels. As the Union has expanded its role to include representing its membership in many new ways it has become apparent that it was impossible to expect the Director of Operations and Member Services (DOMS) to do everything.

This position will allow the DOMS to focus more on the global issues that impact members while providing the Executive and Council with the benefits of his experience and expertise in Labour Relations and Human Resource management. The LRO will provide local Stewards with much needed support in dealing with the many issues that they face on a regular basis. In addition, he will provide more of a presence for the union in the workplace.

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The People of Haiti Need YOUR Help!

In times of great hardship and need, the labour movement shows the meaning of solidarity and mobilizes to bring support to workers, their families and their communities.

The Canadian Labour Congress, in cooperation with the Canadian Red Cross, is working to provide an easy way for union members to make a donation to help the victims of the devastating earthquake and instantly receive a tax receipt and will be matched by the Federal Government.

We invite you to support this urgent fundraising appeal by completing the form below to make your donation.

Union members in Canada have a proud tradition of helping those in need. Workers in Haiti, their families and their communities need our solidarity, and our help.

You can help by making a DONATION HERE.

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World Congress 2010 Registration Open

Registration for the 5th World Congress for Psychiatric Nurses to be held in Vancouver March 18 to 20, 2009 is now open.

2010 marks the 5th conference celebrating the work of psychiatric nurses, and in the spirit of our theme ‘Building Global Connection in Psychiatric Nursing’, it promises to be an exciting international event. The Union of Psychiatric Nurses is an official sponsor of this event.

To REGISTER ONLINE click here.

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