Learning Canada’s labour history key to employment success
Name: Ho-Ying Kui
Occupation: Community Health Worker
Union: BCGEU
Ho-Ying Kui has been a community health worker since 1983. For six years now, Ho-Ying has been a steward at her workplace. She describes this role as “like being a bridge between the employer and the members.”
Being a steward has enabled Ho-Yong to play a leadership role in her workplace. “I really appreciate the knowledge and the education that the union has provided to me,” says Ho-Ying. “This leadership opportunity gives me a chance to look into issues and solve problems at a basic level. It has given me a better understanding of our rights and of what our union can provide us. It’s about knowing what these rights are and that we should be fairly treated.”
Ho-Ying says that many new immigrants are scared to speak up for themselves at their workplace. However, by having a collective agreement, it lays down a very clear set of guidelines that both the employer and the employee must follow. “We are covered by the umbrella of our collective agreement and it ensures our rights.”
Educational opportunities are another element of union membership, and Ho-Ying has taken advantage of the many courses available to her. “I upgrade my skills every year – I have participated in numerous workshops such as ‘Women in Leadership,’ ‘Facing Management’, and ‘Labour History’. Union education has given me the ability to learn new techniques and interpersonal skills to speak not just to members but to management,” she says.
According to Ho-Ying, learning the history of unions and the labour movement makes people realize the contributions of labour over the years. She also adds that it is important to stress the value of the labour movement in Canada to the local Chinese community, as many of them don’t understand what labour movement means to them, their next generations and to Canadian society.
“Knowing labour history makes us more aware of how working conditions have become much better because of unions,” says Ho-Ying. Unions in the Canada have worked since the 18th century to improve the lives of working people. Unions campaigned for a shorter workweek, for paid vacations, equal pay, and minimum wage laws. Unions also campaigned for pensions, Medicare, health and safety regulations, maternity and parental leave, and unemployment insurance.
To any potential new union members, Ho-Ying urges them to learn more about the benefits of union membership by dropping by a union office, visiting the BCGEU website, or speaking with a union organizer.