Lisa Zunti elected as new SEIU-West president

SASKATOON — Lisa Zunti will take over from Barb Cape as president of the Service Employees International Union West (SEIU-West), after the latter chose not to seek re-election. Zunti was elected during the union’s bi-annual convention, held from May 27 to 29 at TCU Place.

Zunti, an LPN who worked for over 20 years in the provincial health-care system at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon and Rosthern Union Hospital, said she was humbled by the trust and confidence union members placed in her.

“I’m excited to take on this role and help this organization to evolve and do new and great things. I think I bring a different perspective and can speak to the realities facing our members in both urban and rural settings and how this impacts the care our patients, clients and residents receive,” said Zunti, who served as an SEIU-West executive board member for over five years.

“While there’s no easy fix to the issues we face in any of our sectors, like education, community-based organizations, or health care, I’m ready to get to work. Having worked in various areas of health care from long-term care to operating rooms, I know first-hand the value that LPNs bring to the health-care system when their skills are used to their full potential.”

She added that other classifications are being undervalued and underutilized, which could make a difference in service delivery. She is also interested in promoting the full use of the skills union members possess to improve outcomes for patients, clients, residents and students.

While her background is in the medical aspect of the health-care system, Zunti is an advocate for all members. She has been a member facilitator for 16 years, a shop steward for 18 years, and a unit chair at St. Paul’s Hospital for 12 years.

“I was a fierce advocate for my members on the floor and will continue to be that fierce advocate, but on a much larger scale. I’m optimistic about our future as a union and look forward to the work we’re going to do for our members,” said Zunti.

SEIU-West represents over 13,000 personnel working in health care, education, municipalities, community-based organizations, retirement homes and other sectors throughout the province. They are joined by one colour — purple — and one union, SEIU-West.

Visit PurpleWorks.ca to find out more about SEIU-West.