March 28, 2002
Negotiations were held March 19th to 21st and salaries were discussed for the first time. The Union proposed hourly salary rates in keeping with the Government legislated salaries already awarded to the health sector nurses. Negotiations are expected to resume in early April.
If you are employed in an HEABC facilities and didn't receive your copy, please contact UPN.
Response for the May 30/31 Convention at the Whistler Resort Hotel has been good, and about 2/3rds of the rooms have been taken. Members wishing to attend should contact the UPN office. Cost is $50 per room, single or double. No charge for dinner or lunch. Escorts welcome.
Ministry of Health Planning has introduced an initiative to get injured health sector nurses back to work. Information at
UPN is supporting the other health sector unions in launching legal action alleging the Government's Bill 29 violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Unions are asking the Court to strike down Bill 29, restore the contracts, and pay damages to employees.
The B.C. Federation of Labour is organizing a massive march for May 25th in Vancouver, and around the Province, for people to show their anger at the Government's betrayal of its campaign pledges. UPN is urging its members to participate. Please watch for details.
There are possibilities, though remote, that members may be confronted by a picket line at their workplace. If faced with a picket line, UPN members should honour it. If there is any doubt about its legality, it will be your Employer's responsibility to have it taken down. Members are not expected to have to try to determine its legality. If in doubt, contact your steward.
The Sun printed another hate piece on Woodlands on March 4th. UPN has protested to both the Publisher of the Sun and to the BC Press Council. The Sun printed that an rpn had been fired and charged with knocking down and kicking a resident, even though the Sun had a copy of the trial transcript showing the nurse had been cleared of the charge by the Court. We also complained that Sun reporter Kim Pemberton is a member of a standing committee of the Board of the community living special interest group who Pemberton was quoting as her sources.