May 02 2002
Three members who served long and loyally retired April 30th. Terry Riley is the current Treasurer, and although retired, is returning to auxiliary employment and retaining his involvement in the Union. Terry became involved in the labour activities of the Association in the late 1960s, became President of the Local at Tranquille 1982, and moved to Vancouver Island in 1986 where be became Local President from 1987 to March of this year. He became UPN Treasurer in 1990.
Ross Tremere took his training in Saskatchewan, but moved to Riverview in 1968, then to Burnaby Psychiatric Services in 1975 where he remained until retirement. Ross became a steward in 1974 and remained so until retirement. He has served stints as Director and Treasurer on the UPN Council, was on the negotiating committee for the 3rd, 4th and 5th Public Service negotiations, and was secretary-treasurer of Local #105 from 1989 to this year.
Gerrit Van Staalduinen graduated in 1969, worked at Riverview until transferring to Dellview in Vernon in 1977, and first became involved in the Union during the strike in 1980. When Dellview closed, Gerrit transferred to Burnaby Psychiatric Services in 1981 where he was a steward for two decades. He held positions as Vice-President of Local #105, member of the negotiating committee, and was a Director on Council for six years.
The Union was built and maintained by members like Terry, Ross and Gerrit. Their loyalty to UPN and to its members was unwavering. They can not be easily replaced.
The salary proposal for Government nurses has been in Victoria since late March. It had been recommended by PSERC, but still had to pass major hurdles by PSEC, the Minister of Finance and the Treasury Board. The Union has finally received word today that the proposed salaries will go to the Minister of Finance this week.
The Union has reviewed the detailed plans of the six Health Authorities announced on April 23rd and it appears only one small UPN worksite is affected. The hardest hit on April 23rd were those who could afford it least - the kitchen, cleaning and laundry employees, members of HEU. The rules on bumping have changed. Employees with more than five years seniority can only bump employees with fewer than five years, and employees with fewer than five years must bump the most junior employee in a comparable job. Currently, acute care and long term care employees can not bump into community positions. The NBA has gone to the Labour Relations Board to try to get seniority expanded to an Authority-wide basis. Currently in most places seniority is by worksite, which is way too restrictive if a small site is downsized or closed.
Both HEABC and PSERC say they will only pay extended health care premiums to cover 80% of the former $10 user fee for physiotherapy, chiropractic, etc. appointments, and not 80% of the treatment. Both BCNU and BCGEU have filed general application disputes.
Members who wish to purchase (Public Service or Municipal) Pension credits for leaves of absence or probationary periods, or members who wish to reinstate a refund, must do so prior to April 1, 2007 and prior to resignation or retirement.
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