Like Canada, Chile was a pioneer in developing a national health care system. However, their universal health care delivery program has devolved into a two tier private and public system which leaves many citizens without access to care.
Morale is very low among health care staff due to persistent cutbacks.
Workers in Saskatchewan were struck by how familiar the story sounded. They expressed interest in helping Chile rebuild its union movement in the health sector, a movement virtually destroyed during the years of dictatorship. Working with MYT and the Confederation of National Health Care Unions in Chile, we have developed a program to enhance women's participation in health care unions. The proposal calls for a series of workshops on shop stewarding and other union basics, for workers in Chile's far-flung regions, culminating in a national seminar. In the second year, an international seminar would bring workers from Canada and Chile together to map out global strategies to combat the privatization agenda.