CALGARY, Alberta, June 08, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Three prominent nursing union leaders were named today as recipients of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions’ (CFNU) prestigious Bread and Roses Award for their outstanding contributions to policy and decision-making, raising public awareness, lobbying governments, and educating members and the public.
Tracy Zambory, President of Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN), Jane Sustrik, First Vice-President of the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA), and David Harrigan, Director of Labour Relations for UNA, are the recipients of the 2016-2017 awards.
“The remarkable careers of these nurse advocates are an inspiration to us all,” said CFNU President Linda Silas. “We will continue to rely on them for their leadership and insights as we confront the serious challenges facing Canada’s health care system.”
Zambory is well known for her energetic advocacy for SUN members, patient safety and broader social justice causes. A long-term care nurse, Zambory began her union involvement at her local in Stoughton, SK. In 1999, she moved to the provincial level of union organizing and has served on the executive of SUN since 2010, becoming President in 2013.
Sustrik’s union involvement began in 1984 early in her nursing career. In the years since, Sustrik has held many union positions with a record of success in advancing the rights of her co‑workers and working people everywhere. Since 1999, she has served on the executive of UNA, becoming First Vice-President in 2013.
As a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Harrigan began his union involvement at the local level and, since 1989, has served as UNA’s Director of Labour Relations. For decades, Harrigan’s effective advocacy and negotiation skills have yielded meaningful results for UNA members. Throughout his career, Harrigan has been a tireless advocate for the rights of all working people.
The Bread and Roses Award is given each year to a nurse member of the CFNU for an outstanding contribution to policy and decision-making, and raising public awareness for nursing issues and patient advocacy.
The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) is Canada’s largest nurses’ organization representing nearly 200,000 nurses and student nurses. The CFNU has been advocating for national discussions on key health priorities, such as a national prescription drug plan, a comprehensive approach to long-term and continuing care, greater attention to health human resources, and federal government engagement on the future of public health care.