Share
Health care workers gathered at Unifor’s Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario from October 4 to 6, 2024, for the Health Care Conference, where they shared experiences, discussed health and safety challenges, and strategized to face the ongoing crisis in the sector.
“We can never stop defending public health care for all. We can never stop demanding expanded public health care because we know the moment we do is when we lose it to the profiteers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Together, we will protect health care and ensure it serves everyone, not just those who can afford it.”
With the theme Building Our Health and Safety Power, the conference brought together health care workers, union leaders, and experts to address the ongoing crisis in Canada’s health care systems. Chronic underfunding and staffing shortages continue to put workers at risk, making this year’s conference more urgent than ever.
“The challenges we face in the health care sector are daunting, but together, we have the power to push for real change,” said Unifor Health Care National Executive Board Representative and Local 229 President Kari Jefford. “Our strength is in our solidarity, and this conference has shown just how committed we are to that fight.”
The agenda included a variety of impactful sessions, such as a presentation by Unifor’s legal department on surveillance in health care settings and a workshop on mental health and low-impact debriefing, which equipped workers with tools to manage stress and trauma on the job. Attendees also participated in a powerful “Tears to Hope,” relay to raise awareness and funds to support the families and loved ones of Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
“Health care workers are under immense pressure, but I see a renewed energy in all of you. Governments may try to privatize and pass bad laws, but we will organize harder, fight stronger, and defend public health care,” said Payne.
The conference wrapped up with health care workers leaving energized and ready to continue the fight for safer workplaces. Members committed to building on the strategies discussed, ensuring that health care remains a public service for all Canadians and that workers’ safety and well-being stay front and centre in that fight.
