Public solutions to protect and expand public health care, and a snapshot of challenges CUPE health sector members face at the provincial level, dominated discussion at a well-attended health care sector caucus. Priorities identified included campaigning to strengthen public hospitals and develop a system for public seniors/residential care and a national public drug plan.
A members’ regional round table with representatives from several provinces highlighted regressive provincial government health reforms impacting health service delivery and patient care, CUPE collective agreements and union representation. They offered insights into fight-back and mobilizing strategies. Several provinces said that health care workplace violence health is on the rise.