NEWSLETTER BULLETIN ARCHIVE
2007 & BACK
Susan and Diane on a Children's Hospital Halloween Walkabout |
Walkabouts and Roadshows - The Union comes to you! Early 2007 saw the start of regular walkabouts at C&W and roadshows out to our other facilities in the region. Members of the executive or stewards come to the nurses with information and other goodies so that our members can keep in touch and up to date.
Brown Baggers – Starting in 2008 at C&W our region will host brown bag drop in information sessions. These will feature timely topics for nurses as well as bonuses for dropping by on your break. Bring your lunch and we will provide dessert and the rest.
June 2007 Conference – In June a group of delegates and observers that was voted for at a previous regional meeting went to St. John’s Newfoundland for the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) biennial convention. It was a great opportunity to meet nurses from across Canada and learn what our unions are doing to promote nursing goals in our nation.
BCNU delegation at CFNU in St. John's, Newfoundland
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On February 27th and 28th of 2007, the BCNU held its annual convention in Vancouver. This year was special for our region as we were designated the “host region,” meaning that we were the region responsible for the banquet entertainment planning and other touches that make convention memorable for nurses who come from all over the province. The theme of the convention was “The Power of One.”
Our dedicated group of delegates and others worked very hard over the months leading up to the convention to plan for the event. Here is an excerpt from one of our bulletins that explained to newcomers what convention is about.
Every year the BCNU holds a convention to discuss bylaws, resolutions, and other business of the union. They have awards for retiring council chair persons and other notable people; have presentations and guest speakers, and other events as needed.
Nurses from all 16 regions from around the province vote on delegates to attend convention and send them to stay in the hotel for the entire time. As most of our region is local we don’t have as far to travel, but in order to be able to participate fully our delegates stay at the hotel as well. Think of it like staying in nursing residence, you get to meet all sorts of people and we are all in it together.
As of June 2006, a longtime member and activitst for our region will be retiring. We would all like to congratulate Alice Edge and wish her all the best in her retirement. Thank you for your help and dedication! We will miss you, we have been very fortunate to have you in our region. Good Luck, Alice!
In November 2005 Shaughnessy Heights held our regional bargaining conference. It was an opportunity for members to get together to talk about what we think is important in our next contract. We were fortunate to have attend the president of BCNU, Debra McPherson and staff from the BCNU provincial office to explain and educate us about the upcoming negotiations. There was a large turn out of members showing that many nurses are concerned about what our future holds and that we want to have a say in it.
On Feburary 28th and March 1st the BCNU held our Provincial Bargaining Conference followed by our 25th Annual Provincial Convention held on March 2nd and 3rd. Experienced and new delegates, alternates and observers from our region attended both events. Here are some of their comments.
Comments from members who have attended convention in past years:
"Impressed by the passion of presenters and also proud of the colleagues who spoke at the microphones on very sensitive and emotional issues. Thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of this convention." Marilyn
"Proud of my union, the leadership and STAFF. Excellent presentations, and a well lead conference. An inspiration to me." June
"Privileged to be here, I learned from each and everyone of the members."
"I fee privileged, inspired, relieved and respected to have a voice, to hear other's voices and know it is each and everyone of us is the union - it is wonderful to hear the issues and suggestions for solutions from a nursing perspective." "I must say it invigorates me to keep up the fight also to protect, promote and support a public health care system." Maddy
Comments from members who were new delegates:
"Being my first time at bargaining conference I was apprehensive about it. I was expecting a slow paced dry and non applicable situation, however I've been really impressed! The issues covered are well thought out and have taken into consideration the input from us front line nurses. I'm very inspired and proud, and look forward to being involved more. A great conference!" Kelli
"Interesting to see the process and to hear how much support we get from our union executive and union members."
"It has been tremendously eye-opening to hear the experiences of front line nurses from all across BC and the healthcare system - to hear not only their concerns and issues, but also their solutions. It has also been inspiring and empowering to witness nurses' support of each other and the passion and strength of will shown by individual delegates." Sylta
