CUPE is holding its annual convention in St. John’s this week with a heavy focus on health in the workplace.

The union, which represents many in the health care sector, says violence in the workplace is on the rise, and they don’t see any tangible efforts being made to improve the work environment.

CUPE NL President Sherry Hillier if people don’t go to work, especially in smaller, rural communities, the work does not get done.

Getting a job in a hospital used to be something to strive for, but Hillier says people are choosing now to work in settings other than a hospital.

She says workers are not getting the respect that they deserve.

The event, which kicked off yesterday at the Delta Hotel, will wrap up tomorrow.

Earlier story

CUPE is holding its annual convention in St. John’s this week.

The event, which kicked off yesterday at the Delta Hotel, will wrap up tomorrow.

The union says this year’s event, which is being held during the year of health and safety, will have a “strong focus” on protecting workers on the job and ensuring that workplaces are treated as a “fundamental right” instead of an “afterthought.”

Other topics of discussion include strengthening public healthcare, workers’ rights and wages, and diversity.

President Sherry Hillier says that at a time when public services are under pressure, the convention is about more than internal business; it is about “sending a clear message” that strong public services don’t exist without the people who deliver them.