Bringing change to people’s lives

 

Name: Erlinda Bailio

Occupation: Care aide

Union: BCGEU

Working as a care aide means so much more to Erlinda Bailio than bringing home a pay cheque. Erlinda, who works at Elim Village, Brookside Lodge and Peace Portal Lodge care homes, finds her work incredibly gratifying because every day she is able to make a positive impact in people’s lives.

“I really like working with the elderly, and I was brought up to be respectful to the elderly. I find it so rewarding to look at the expression on the residents’ faces and see how happy and appreciative they are to have someone take care of them,” says Erlinda. “It’s such a good feeling. You see, it’s not just a job. For me, it is so fulfilling to see a resident’s happy face, to brighten their day, and to be able to contribute. That’s rewarding,” added Erlinda.

Erlinda has been a member of BCGEU since 1995. She appreciates the job security and fairness that a unionized workplace can provide. With a collective agreement, your rights as an employee, working conditions and compensation are clearly spelled out in a contract, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Recent immigrants to Canada can be more susceptible to discrimination and harassment, and Erlinda values the fact that unionized workplaces have provisions in place to protect workers’ rights. “When you are new to Canada, you are generally not familiar with the rules and your rights and it is not uncommon for new immigrants to be bullied,” says Erlinda. With a collective agreement, however, there is language around harassment and discrimination that protects these new workers, therefore making them feel more comfortable and safe in their workplace.

Working as a care aide, Erlinda sees the critical nature of safety in the workplace. She says new immigrants will sometimes perform a task even if it is unsafe to do so, for instance, being asked to operate machinery they are not skilled to use.

Erlinda is a very dedicated member of her workplace safety committee. She examines a large scope of workplace issues, ranging from the possibility of dealing with aggressive residents; to the proper storage of chemicals and ensuring housekeeping staff have been adequately trained to handle the chemicals. Having occupational health and safety committees in place play an instrumental role in reducing workplace injuries.

Working in a unionized workplace is something Erlinda has always found to be a valuable experience. “It’s good to be in a union, and it’s beneficial for many reasons,” says Erlinda. “For me, it’s been positive for both myself and my family.”