Speaking up for justice and fairness

Name: Suki Bahia
Occupation: Dietary aide at ElimVillage
Union: HEU

Suki Bahia works full-time as a dietary aide at ElimVillage, a seniors’ care facility in Surrey.
When Suki began working there in 2005, it was a non-union workplace. But a decade later, workers were organized and certified by the Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU) – a move Suki welcomed.
“Being in a union provides a better life – peace of mind, job safety, protection of employee rights like paid time off, benefits and wages,” she says. “The educational opportunities for members are great. HEU provides many courses, and it is awesome that there’s a one-week Summer School at UBC for activists.”
Articulate and positive, Suki is a strong advocate for people’s rights. She’s been an OH&S committee member at her work site, and was recently elected by her local to serve on the bargaining committee to help secure their first collective agreement.
“Fairness matters,” says Suki. “I believe in fighting injustice. My strength is protecting people’s rights and standing up for them.”
She believes honesty and hard work contribute to fair treatment. “The union helps us be our best and gives us the courage to speak up. We feel strong because the union backs us up. It’s a protection the union gives us – when issues arise, shop stewards help us and ensure we have clear, consistent answers and direction.”
Suki loves working with, and gaining wisdom from, the residents. “They make you appreciate life more. A lot don’t have family, so when they say you’re family, that’s a blessing that makes you want to work there.
“My union brothers and sisters care about the residents. We give our best on the job, but we want someone to respect and take care of us too. We are so lucky that in this country we can stand up for our rights and that the union helps us.”
Born in the Punjab region of India, Suki’s grateful that her family moved to Canada for a better life in 1997. “My father had no education, but he was wise enough to bring us to B.C., a place that provides opportunities and rewards hard work.”
Suki is happily married with a three-year-old son, who is cared for by her in-laws while she works. Living in a joint family provides the benefit of trustworthy, loving child care with shared values. That family support, Suki says, enables her to engage in her union activism.