Human Rights and Equity

"Why do you have a big Christmas display over here? Well since 1964, Burl Ives has been trying to say that people should not be labelled. Look at Rudolph: people would not let him play in any reindeer games because he was different, because he had a red nose. But he was the one that saved Christmas. And look at all the toys: just because the Jack in the Box was different, and just because the elf did not want to make toys (he wanted to be a dentist), they still found homes, they were still loved, and they are still whole."

BCNU Workers with Disabilities Caucus chair Kelly Woywitka uses this analogy when speaking to fellow members at BC Nurses' Union events to demonstrate the potential consequences of disability and inequity. Workers with Disabilities is one of five BCNU equity-seeking caucuses. The group was established to provide a safe space for union members who identify as workers with disabilities, and to address the issues and challenges of working in environments that are often unforgiving towards those who have some form of disability.

Update Magazine recently caught up with Woywitka to find out about what the caucus will be doing in 2018.

UPDATE What is the current mandate of the caucus?

WOYWITKA The caucus continues to help members who are returning to work and still facing discriminatory attitudes, because the perception is they may have an easier job. Nurses are extremely kind caregivers, but sometimes fear comes into the picture and we are not that way with each other.

The caucus is very focused on helping members and our health-care partners to understand the ability someone brings to work rather than focus on the disability—we do not throw away the mind with the body because the latter may not function as well as it used to. An obstacle we come across is negative attitudes toward a returning member. There's a presumption that they have an easier job, which is not the case. A duty to accommodate recognizes ability, and if that is the only job your body can do that is the only job you can do. Moreover, it is temporary, so nobody is bumped out of a job. That is a sensitive concern, which I try to address as frequently as I can.

An employer's duty to accommodate means that they must recognize ability. New duty to accommodate language [in the Nurses' Bargaining Association collective agreement] is huge. In brief this means that once the medical situation is accepted and agreed to by the employer, the accommodation process will begin. The employer will contact the employee and union within two weeks to discuss possible accommodation options.

UPDATE What are nurses' attitudes toward disability?

WOYWITKA I have found that, in general, our nurses are generous with their empathy and understanding. For example, when a member returned to work after a physical disability, the individual gave me permission to attend their staff meetings so that I could not only speak to her team about her physical limitations but also explain her motivation to return to work. That tactic helped the member and the team to communicate about any potential misgivings and created a space for understanding one another while eliminating prejudice. That is a best practice I follow whenever possible—and I only do it with the member's permission so that privacy is not breached.

UPDATE What are the caucus's plans for 2018?

WOYWITKA We are trying to get people to recognize fatigue and prevent injury. Sometimes the demands of the job mean nurses do not go to the bathroom or take a break in a 12-hour shift. That makes them vulnerable to injury and can impact the care they provide.

Also, ongoing this year is the continuing promotion of a scent-free environment. I cannot emphasize enough how serious this issue is. I have seen people confined to the point where they cannot leave their homes. Scented products have been blamed for adverse health reactions, some of which include headaches, respiratory problems, nausea, difficulty with concentration and skin irritations.

UPDATE Is there anything else BCNU members should know about the work of the caucus?

WOYWITKA We are looking for allies, and for members to come forward when someone is not being treated fairly. Come and talk to us—we're here to help. We are all human beings and each one of us deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.

Finally, if a member is self-accommodating, which means they have a disability and rather than follow the recommended official process they have found a job more suited to their present ability—they could get bumped out of the position. I would ask them to protect themselves and come to us—we are here to help.

To join the Workers with Disabilities Caucus, please contact the chair via email at disabilities@bcnu.org or Hanif Karim, BCNU human rights, equity and health policy officer: hkarim@bcnu.org

UPDATE (March - April 2018)