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Unifor leadership and members from across the country gathered in Hunts Point Nova Scotia for the union’s Healthcare and Social Services Conference, a weekend focused on strengthening connections, sharing experiences and building solidarity across the sector.
“The never-wavering, never-give-up attitude you bring to your trade unionism, the way you tackle challenges head-on and stand up to politicians and health care administrators — I can always count on you to be there,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “You are true union builders.”
This year’s theme, Connect, Learn and Laugh, encouraged members to build stronger relationships with colleagues across the sector. Members took part in a personality workshop led by guest speaker Kari Chiappetta, exploring how understanding different personalities and communication styles can help build stronger teams in their workplaces.
“It was great to see members come together in the Atlantic region and have a chance to develop new skill sets,” said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. “The workshop gave members an opportunity to connect in a way they may not have had before, strengthening relationships they can bring back to their workplaces and locals.”
The sector is supported by a dedicated team of staff under the leadership of Kelly-Anne Orr Assistant to the National President, and Kellee Jansen, Health Care Director.
Health care and social services workers across Canada continue to face significant challenges, including staffing shortages, burnout and the growing threat of privatization. The conference provided an important opportunity for members to discuss shared challenges, exchange ideas and learn from one another’s experiences.
“When we come together, we realize that while our workplaces may be different, many of the challenges we face are the same. Sharing our experiences helps us learn from one another, strengthen our solidarity and build the collective power we need to fight for better working conditions,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi.
Unifor represents more than 35,000 health care and social services workers across Canada, including members working in hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes, home care, emergency medical services and community-based social services.
