September 2019 Member Newsletter

 
President’s Update “As kids prepare to head back to school, your union team prepares for one of the busiest months of the year. September is always very busy with UBCM, Trustee and accountant audits, Convention preparation and this year we’ll add ratification of a new Collective Agreement. It will be very busy with lots of events and information releases, so please stay tuned to your APBC email for further releases and important dates.”

Remembering Sharon Unger & Buck Black “Last month we experienced the loss of two well-loved members: Sharon Unger and Buck Black. After a brave fight against pancreatic cancer, Sharon Unger passed away on August 18th.  Sharon was a passionate paramedic who began her career with the ambulance service in 2005 at the Vanderhoof station….Walter “Buck” Black passed away peacefully in Chilliwack General Hospital surrounded by his family on August 20th.  Buck was a well-loved paramedic and dedicated 31 years of his life serving this province with BCAS.”
 
Ergonomics for Ambulances “The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has published the draft standard for “ergonomics design for ambulance and related equipment”. The draft standard is now available for public review and comment.  Our own APBC director of Safety, Corey Viala, has been an active member of this important national committee. The review prior ends October 1st, 2019.“

Ceremonial Unit Spotlight “Paramedic Jeff Moorhouse has been responsible for emergency patient care with the British Columbia Ambulance Service since 1997 and over the course of his career has worked in rural, urban and metro stations.”   

A Message from the PSPP “Wondering how being a member of the plan, returning from parental leave, getting a separation or divorce, changing jobs, or choosing a pension option could affect your future pension? Are you nearing retirement and curious how planning now can make your transition to retirement easier? Find answers to your pension questions with free pension education!”