Chapter 5 - Union perspectives on abuse prevention in long-term care: current situation, future possibilities

Abstract

This chapter highlights the role of the Hospital Employees' Union (HEU) in abuse prevention at the individual, facility, and systems levels. The union's role in preventing resident abuse in long-term care dates back to the 1970s when HEU first organized the staff in the private nursing home sector in British Columbia. During that organizing drive, the union highlighted issues of resident neglect and low staffing levels, linking poor working conditions for staff with poor caring conditions for residents. Over the years, the union has continued to advocate for improved working and caring conditions. In 2001, based on growing concerns from members working in long-term care about their capacity to provide appropriate and compassionate care to residents with rising levels of acuity, the union made increased staffing levels a priority bargaining issue. The union worked in coalition with community and senior groups in advocating for better staffing levels and negotiated an agreement with the provincial government to add 300 new care aide positions in long-term care.