UNA supports our co-workers

Hundreds of health care workers represented by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) are being locked out or are taking strike votes at a growing number of nursing homes in Calgary and Edmonton.

Many of these AUPE members, which include Licensed Practical Nurses, Health Care Aides and other staff who work along side with UNA members each day, are being paid at least 30 per cent less than their counterparts who work for Alberta Health Services (AHS). These nursing homes are operated by private companies and receive public funding from AHS.

Ultimately, the real issue is care for seniors living in these nursing homes. The public funding these private companies receive from AHS should be used to support seniors with a stable and fairly compensated nursing workforce.

What can you do to help?

UNA members are encouraged to show support for their co-workers in their struggle for improved contracts by joining their AUPE co-workers on the picket lines during their breaks or days off.

UNA Local Executives should advise their members to work their normal shifts and to support their striking colleagues on their off-work time.

UNA members at worksites where AUPE members are on strike or locked out are encouraged to wear "UNA supports our co-workers" buttons. Contact your UNA Local Executive to get a button.

UNA members can send a letter to Premier Alison Redford and Health Minister Fred Horne by visiting http://www.icare4hardisty.com.

List of Nursing Homes where AUPE members are on strike or locked out:
Monterey Place Nursing Home (operated by Triple A Living Communities Inc.) Calgary, Alberta
Hardisty Care Centre (operated by Park Place Seniors Living) Edmonton, Alberta
Rivera Riverbend (operated by Revera Inc.) Edmonton, Alberta