Delegates to the Hospital Employees Unions 24th biennial convention re-elected two top officers Wednesday. Fred Muzin was re-elected as president a position hes held since 1993. Muzin is a biomedical engineering technologist from St. Pauls Hospital in Vancouver.
Mary LaPlante was re-elected as financial secretary, a post shes filled since 1984. LaPlante hails from the Prince Rupert Hospital local where she worked in the finance department.
Muzin says that hes proud to receive the support of a membership thats shown such tenacity and courage in the face of a provincial government thats cut their wages, fired their co-workers and privatized the services they deliver to the public.
Convention delegates are determined to strengthen the union and restore justice to our members, says Muzin. We will leave this convention united, and committed to protecting public health care and decent jobs.
The convention continues through Friday, October 22 at the Richmond Inn (Minoru Boulevard and Westminster Highway). Media are welcome and microphone feeds are available on the convention floor.
On Thursday, October 21, Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians, addresses delegates at approximately 3:30 p.m. while NDP leader Carole James speaks at the convention banquet at approximately 8:00 p.m. in the Ballroom (Minoru A, B, C and D).
On Friday, October 22, at approximately 10:45 a.m., Alfonso Naranjo, former executive officer, Association of Colombian Hospital Workers (ANTHOC), will address the delegates.
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Contact:
Margi Blamey, communications officer, 604-785-5324 (cell).