Kamloops residents rally for RIH workers on Labour Day

KAMLOOPS — The round of applause, banging of the pots and pans, and messages of appreciation returned to Kamloops for the 7 p.m. hour on Labour Day Monday.

Five days after the crosswalks in front of Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) served as the stage for a protest to the B.C. government’s vaccine card system, and vaccines in general, a healthcare worker rally took place on Labour Day Monday (Sept. 6) during an RIH workers shift change.

President of the Hospital Employees’ Union Barb Nederpel was one of the dozens of Kamloops residents who attended the rally. She called it a beautiful site, saying the protest five days ago affected many of the RIH workers personally.

“This is our opportunity to give back and show them the love they deserve,” Nederpel told CFJC Today. “When you see healthcare workers leaving and coming to work with tears in their eyes because they feel like they’re being seen and heard, and we’re here in a message of solidarity and support, you can tell they see that and feel that. Healthcare workers are exhausted, tired, and burnt out… COVID-19 cases rising only continues the pressure on them. They need us to get on board and get vaccinated so we can give them a break, on top of making sure our communities are safe.”

Two and Out

PETERS: Four dogs will die and the owners responsible will get away with it

7h ago

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: October 3, 2024

9h ago

ONE MAN'S OPINION

COLLINS: Changes in our justice system are critical

Oct 03, 2024

The Kamloops and District Labour Council organized the healthcare rally in place of the annual Labour Day Picnic, due to COVID-19 concerns. President Lois Rugg was pleased with the turnout on such short notice.

“Their hearts got a little broken when those other protests happened, and I think people really wanted to come out and do something and show their appreciation,” Rugg says. “It feels really good that we were able to do something today in the spirit of Labour Day and workers. I think it’s even more special and appropriate we’re here today because of what happened (five days ago). For everybody that came out tonight, it means a lot. We’re just happy to be here, and we’re happy to support all healthcare workers, from behind the scenes and in the frontlines.”

Rugg says the labour council will “play it by ear” on if there will be other public displays of healthcare solidarity in the near future.