Executive Councillor Report: Occupational Health and Safety and Mental Health
Opening day of BCNU’s 2024 convention saw Denise Waurynchuk, Interim Executive Councillor for Occupational Health and Safety and Mental Health, present a report on her portfolio.
Waurynchuk started by updating delegates on the Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) Nurse Support Fund, which includes the NBA Hardship Assistance initiative and the Supplemental Mental Health Benefit.
She reminded members that the NBA Hardship Assistance initiative is a one-time payment of $1,500 for each member and the criteria in place to support the initiative. She also expressed her appreciation to those who helped make the initiative available for members.
“We may not be aware of the difficulties members who are applying may be facing so I want to express my gratitude to all the staff who helped develop the NBA Hardship Assistance initiative.”
After sharing the details about the NBA Hardship Assistance initiative, Waurynchuk told delegates that BCNU staff are in the final stages of developing the process to distribute the Supplemental Mental Health Benefit, which will provide a $5,000 lifetime benefit amount to members.
Other highlights of Waurynchuk’s presentation included a reminder about the union’s contest to recognize Safety and Health week and shared a list of member occupational health and safety (OHS) education and resources as well as a few OHS success stories from different BCNU regions.
“These examples highlight the positive outcomes that can be achieved when working with BCNU,” said Waurynchuk.
She finished her presentation by reminding members to always call the Provincial Workplace Health Contact Centre number to report workplace incidents: 1-866-922-9464.
“I invite you to continue to report and support your co-workers who wish to report,” said Waurynchuk.