Union membership promotes life balance

Name: Mahen Ramdharry

Job Title: Health Care Worker

Union: BCGEU

Mahen Ramdharry has not only been a BCGEU member for the past 14 years, but he also continues to get more involved in union activism as each year passes. Employed as a health care worker in the Forensics Psychiatric Hospital working with patients with mental illness, Mahen says that having a union is not only advantageous to employees, but it is also good for management. “Having a union in the workplace encourages staff to grow; it fosters teamwork and provides many educational opportunities,” says Mahen.

In addition to being an active steward for the last 14 years, Mahen also sits at the executive level and at the component level in the BCGEU. “Being a steward can be stressful, because you go through trauma if someone is terminated,” says Mahen. “But it is also an incredibly rewarding position to have, especially whenever I am able to help someone get their job back. I am thankful for the support system I have at the BCGEU.”

Working in a unionized workplace protects both the employee and the employer. Having a collective agreement means that working conditions are clearly spelled out in a contract so that there is no room for ambiguity. “As union workers, we realize our responsibilities. We’re here to work, and we want to work,” says Mahen. He adds that union members are very well aware that when their company prospers, it’s beneficial for the employer and its employees. Mahen reflected on memories of his first job, a small, non-unionized business, and there was a perpetual state of uncertainty felt amongst him and his coworkers. “You wouldn’t know if you would have your job tomorrow,” says Mahen. In a unionized workplace, however, there is a process and procedure in place for discipline and layoffs.

The advantages of union membership are numerous. “If you are in trouble, you are not alone.” In a non-unionized workplace, you are at the whim of your employer. There is no favoritism or nepotism in a unionized workplace, and unionized workers never have to ask themselves questions such as: “If the boss doesn’t like me, can they let me go?” A collective agreement is a contract. It’s legally binding document and both parties respect it.

Mahen wants to see a continuing increase of unionized workplaces across BC, as he thinks every British Columbian worker should have the opportunity to gain the rights and benefits of having a collective agreement. Many new Canadians, however, are unaware of their rights and need to be informed of the labour laws that will protect them. He stresses that new immigrant workers should inform themselves of their rights, especially the fact that an employer cannot terminate an employee for wanting to join a union. Mahen says it’s easy for new immigrant workers to feel discouraged from the process of unionization. He recalls, “Back home in Mauritius, if you tried to join a union you would probably lose your job.”

Mahen says one of the most important things about working in a unionized workplace is that it is a “defined workplace”. “My roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, as are my employer’s roles and responsibilities. There is unequivocal language of my rights.” This includes very clear language addressing issues such as occupational health and safety, wages and benefits, processes to resolve grievances and harassment complaints, rules around promotions and job postings, short term and long term disability, to name a few.

When asked what he feels is the best part about being a union member, he replied “That’s easy: we [union members] have a more balanced life.