Several UNA members joined in for the 13th Annual Harmony Brunch to celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, March 21. At the brunch were (l to r) Beryl Scott, UNA Executive Board member; UFCW member Roselne; Marion Mckenzie, Local 301; Gloria MacFarlane, Local#301, Heather Smith, UNA President; Linda Robinson (front) from the Alberta Federation of Labour and Judith Moar, (UNA Executive Board member).
UNA is proud to note the importance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21.
“Equality and equal and fair treatment are important union principles, part of the basis for our union,” says UNA President Heather Smith.
Stopping racism worldwide must begin with stopping it here at home and in our workplaces.
“Our union protects members’ rights, and we have often faced cases of discrimination where individual nurses were unfairly treated,” she says. “I am proud to say we have many times stopped discrimination in the workplace and protected the rights of individual nurses.”
Unfortunately, racism and discrimination continue to exist and cause painful damage in health workplaces. Nurses recognize how hurtful and destructive discrimination can be.
The rights and dignity of every individual are always important, and the nursing profession recognizes this. It is important to acknowledge this in relations with co-workers, patients and family members.
Nurses are constantly put in challenging situations, often with cultural misunderstandings and communication difficulties. Going back to the touchstone of the importance and dignity of each individual can help in working constructively through difficult situations.
“Our profession has a great record of valuing each and every individual, and this is an important point in preventing discrimination,” Heather Smith says.
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