Kamloops Rally Saturday as Bill 21 Protest Rallies continue throughout B.C.

Premier Campbell and Health Minister Kevin Falcon have clearly set the tone for Community Health Care Bargaining in 2010. Unfortunately, the message they’ve sent to these Health Care workers through the Ambulance Paramedics has not been positive.

Campbell and Falcon have ignored the key issues Paramedics have raised months in advance and pushed a second-rate contract on them by forcing it through legislation.

“The message Campbell and Falcon are sending to our Community Health Care members is crystal clear,” says UFCW Local 1518 President Ivan Limpright. “They are simply saying they do not care what our members deserve, what the community needs, or what the Supreme Court has ruled. They are sending a message that there will be no fair collective bargaining with UFCW Local 1518 or any of the other Community Health Care workers in 2010!”

It is time to fight back and tell Campbell and Falcon we will not accept their bullying. All UFCW 1518 members, and especially members from the union's Health Care Sector, are urged to come out and show their support at any of the below rallies. The next rally is this Saturday in Kamloops and all members who are able to attend are encouraged to. Details are listed below for this event as well as other upcoming rallies across the province:

Saturday, December 5th – Kamloops

What:  A rally to protest Bill 21 and promote free collective bargaining

Time:  12:00 noon

Where:  Riverside Park Band Shell (corner of Lorne Street West and 2nd Avenue), Kamloops

**A collection of hats, toques, warm clothing and mittens will be made for those in need

Monday, December 7th – Vancouver

What:  Goddess of Democracy Rally at UBC

Time:  11:30-12:30

Where:  6138 Student Union Boulevard – 2 minute walk from Bus Loop (SUB Plaza between Aquatic Centre and Student Union Building)

**Join the UBC community at the Goddess of Democracy Statue.

Monday, December 7th – Vancouver

What:  Protest at Vancouver – False Creek Liberal MLA Mary McNeil’s Constituency Office

Time:  Noon – 1pm

Where:  201 – 1168 Hamilton Street (between Davie and Helmcken)

**Hold Minister of State for the Olympics accountable for supporting regressive back to work legislation.

Wednesday, December 9th – Surrey

What:  March and Rally Surrey Board of Trade Lunch – Kevin Falcon Key note Speaker

Time:  10:45am – Noon

Where:  Gather at Surrey Lake Park (South of Eaglequest Golf Course – Coyote Creek 7778 – 152nd Street)

**Join us in sending a loud message to the Minister of Health Services.

Saturday, December 12th – Queen Charlotte

What:  Petition Signing and Food Bank Drive

Time:  11am – 2pm

Where:  City Centre Stores, 121 3rd Avenue, Queen Charlotte

**Find out how you can help fight for Ambulance Services in rural BC and donate to the community food bank.