Union protects community health workers

Name: Erlinda Frijas

Occupation: Community health worker

Union: BCGEU

Erlinda Frijas has been a member of the British Columbia Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) since 1998.

She has recently taken on the role of steward in her workplace, as she likes to educate people about the collective agreement and inform people of their rights.

“I’m so happy because I am helping my coworkers and acting as a bridge between management and employees,” says Erlinda.

“I think it’s important to educate yourself about your rights as worker, and the rights that come with having the protection of a collective agreement.”

As a community health worker, health and safety issues are of utmost importance.

Erlinda says that if she were to go to a client’s home and there were some obvious safety concerns that could jeopardize either herself and/or the client, she can refuse to carry out the task until the safety issue has been resolved.

In a non-union workplace, however, oftentimes community health workers are scared to say anything if the workplace is unsafe, for fear of their boss reprimanding them.

“It’s better to work in a union environment because your employer cannot terminate employment simply for any reason, such as a personality conflict.

With a union contract, everyone must play by the rules,” says Erlinda.

For Erinda, perhaps one of the most important reasons for joining a union is to have a voice in the workplace.

“Working in a unionized environment, people don’t need to feel scared if they want to speak up,” says Erlinda.

Employees are given an opportunity to have a say in how their workplace can be made better. For instance, regular labour-management meetings allow workers to address all issues and problems with their employer and determine effective solutions.

The BCGEU is a leader in representing workers in health care.

We represent our members at their worksites and in public campaigns for government policies that reflect the needs of health care workers.

The BCGEU has a reputation for offering expert help to our members in bargaining, training, advocacy, and more.

Visit www.bcgeu.ca for more information.