Members of Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation Health Board Society recently voted to join the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU).
After a vote of 25 for and five against, all 38 registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, community health care counsellors, youth and family services workers, early childhood education workers and home support workers in the society are now a part of the union, which represents over 65,000 members across BC.
In a process that took about two months, the members chose to join the union seeking “fairness, respect and to have a voice in their workplace,” according to a BCGEU press release.
“When we were first looking to unionize, BCGEU was an obvious choice because of its history working with first nations,” said Gerald Blaney, addictions counsellor at the society. “It was very clear that BCGEU would be a good fit.”
“On behalf of our 65,000 members, I would like to welcome our new members from Tla’Amin Health Board Society,” said Darryl Walker, BCGEU president, in the press release. “BCGEU recognizes the unique needs, concerns and traditions of aboriginal workers, and our union proudly represents many aboriginal members throughout the province.”
BCGEU has allocated staff resources and established an Aboriginal Network to ensure that its aboriginal members have a strong voice within the union. A union representative, based out of Nanaimo, was introduced to the society at a celebration on Wednesday, September 14.
“Winning this vote will enable us to move forward and give us job security, fairness, and a stronger, collective voice,” said Jean Daly, licensed practical nurse, home and community care with the society. “There are several other unionized first nations communities throughout the province but they are hard fought and hard won...This is a big accomplishment, it’s going to move us light years.”
In the press release, BCGEU stated that it “recognizes and supports treaty negotiations and the right of self-government and self-determination for aboriginal people,” and explained the union helps to transfer responsibilities to first nations communities.
