Bringing a smile to seniors

 

Name: Wendy Q. Mah

Occupation: Rehabilitation Assistant

Union: BCGEU

Wendy Mah has worked in recreation for seniors in a multi-level care home since 1996. For Wendy, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing the smiles on the residents’ faces and improving their day. “It is very fulfilling to me, knowing that I can bring joy into their day makes my day,” says Wendy.

Wendy has been a member of the BCGEU for 15 years. She enjoys being part of a union because it has given her the respect, fair wages, good benefits, and job security that she deserves. “The union has empowered me and has helped me to stay strong and defend my rights,” says Wendy.

By having a collective agreement, all working conditions are spelled out in black and white. “The expectations are more clear, which leads to more labour harmony,” says Wendy.

As BCGEU members, Wendy and her co-workers are able to negotiate (with the assistance of skilled negotiators) their wages and benefits, processes to resolve grievances and harassment complaints, rules around promotions and job postings, and many other provisions.

The BCGEU offers its members numerous educational opportunities, and Wendy has taken advantage of many of them. “The courses are tremendous,” says Wendy. “They are a great way to learn to improve communication, get involved in campaigns, and help make our communities a better place to live.”

Out of all the educational opportunities Wendy has taken through the union, she felt most rewarded by the leadership course. “I felt empowered – it helped me learn different tactics and has given me the knowledge to play more of a leadership role in the workplace and to ultimately help others.”

Wendy further cultivated her leadership skills when she became a steward in 2005. It continues to be a role she takes great pride in, as it has given her the knowledge and tools to empower others by educating them, informing them about their rights, and advising them of the resources available to them.

“Unions enable workers to have a say in their working conditions,” says Wendy. “It gives you a voice.”