Lynn Valley Care Centre aides vote to unionize

Care aides at the Lynn Valley Care Centre have voted to unionize.

Staff at the care home, which was one of the worst hit by COVID-19, voted 97 per cent in favour of joining the Hospital Employees’ Union, according to a release from the HEU.

“This group of care aides were the first to face the risks and uncertainty of working in a long-term care home in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak,” says HEU secretary-business manager Jennifer Whiteside.

More than 50 residents and staff were infected and 20 residents died before the outback was declared over in May.

“They showed a lot of courage and compassion during this crisis to ensure good care for their residents. By joining the union, they’ve united their voices for better and safer working and caring conditions – and fair treatment from their employer,” Whiteside added.

The care aides are employed by subcontractor Pro Vita Care Management.

The HEU has 50,000 members in B.C., including 15,000 care aides.