Unions bring fairness into the workplace
Name: Salima Adatia
Occupation: BCNU Full-time Steward, Vancouver General Hospital
Orthopedic Trauma Nurse, Vancouver General Hospital
Union: BCNU
Canada has been a land of wonderful opportunities for Salima Adatia and her family. Born in Kenya, Adatia spent her childhood years growing up in Nairobi. Her family moved to Canada during the tumultuous years of Ugandan President Idi Amin’s expulsion of non-Africans.
Amin’s expulsions reverberated through other African countries and the Adatia family decided it was a good time to join other family members already in Vancouver.
“My parents often say they left Africa with only carry-on luggage and $500.00 dollars in their pocket,” says Adatia. “Canada’s been good to us. Our strong public education and healthcare systems helped me build a successful career as a nurse.”
Adatia finished her secondary education in Vancouver and graduated from Kitsilano High School. After graduation she decided to enroll at Burnaby’s Simon Fraser University.
“I always wanted a career in healthcare,” says Adatia. “But I wasn’t always sure what path that would take.” At SFU she earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology and a minor in Kinesiology. During her degree studies she considered numerous healthcare careers, but eventually decided to become a nurse.
“When I was studying at SFU nursing seemed like a versatile career decision,” says Adatia. “I like helping people, and there are lots of specialties within nursing where I can develop an interesting practice.”
Adatia finished her nursing diploma at BCIT and joined a medical/surgical rehabilitation unit at Vancouver General Hospital. After five months in medical rehabilitation, she switched to VGH’s orthopedic trauma unit where she specializes in traumatic injuries including fractured bones.
Very soon in her nursing career Adatia also developed an interest in the British Columbia Nurses’ Union.
“I had an appreciation for unions because my mother was active in CUPE,” says Adatia. “Her activities showed me that unions can solve problems for employees and make workplaces fairer for everyone.”
Adatia soon became very active at BCNU. After attending a regional meeting she volunteered to be a union representative on her unit. Eventually that led to a steward’s position and her election to the BCNU Central Vancouver Regional Executive. Adatia is now one of BCNU’s full-time stewards at Vancouver General Hospital.
“My work at BCNU is helpful to other nurses,” says Adatia. “Much of our union’s activity is about supporting nurses who are strained with high case loads. Nurses need to learn to take care of themselves while they’re giving excellent patient care and expanding their knowledge as professionals.”
Adatia likes being connected to the wider community through her union activities. Volunteering at events like the Children’s Hospital fundraiser and the Variety Club telethon give her activism a community focus.
“I also love playing clarinet and tenor saxophone in my faith community’s band,” says Adatia. “In the Vancouver Ismaili Muslim Band we have a great time rehearsing and playing at events. It’s a huge amount of fun for me to just let loose and make some great music!”