AUPE launches rally in Calgary to fight for continuing care workers

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says staff in seniors’ homes are underpaid and overworked, negatively affecting the level of care residents receive.

Continuing care workers will rally in Calgary Monday, to fight for better care and working conditions.

Earlier this month, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) launched its continuing care campaign.

It claims the provincial government’s decision to dismantle Alberta Health Services is forcing people with complex medical needs out of hospitals, and into continuing care faculties that are already under-resourced.

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AUPE members say they’re seeing more seniors who can’t afford the level of care they require and want the government to do a better job of accounting for provincial dollars given to privately-operated facilities.

They’re calling for better wages and working conditions, mandated minimum staffing and care hours, and patients with complex needs sent to facilities that can properly accommodate them.

The rallies will take place at the following locations and times:

• 11 a.m. to noon, Carewest Dr. Vernon Fanning, 722 16 Ave. N.E.;
• Noon to 1 p.m., Carewest Colonel Belcher, 1939 Veteran’s Way N.W.; and
• 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Carewest Glenmore Park, 6909 14 St. S.W.

In a statement to CTV News Monday, the provincial government said it is committed to “efficient, high-quality public services.”

“We have tremendous respect for the dedication and hard work of those who provide these highly valued services and support Albertans every day,” said Amber Edgerton, press secretary for the minister of assisted living and social services.

Edgerton added the rally is the result of “a local bargaining issue between AUPE and Carewest” and hopes the two parties will continue with negotiations.

However, she did say that some of AUPE’s claims were false.

“Claims that Albertans are being prematurely or unsafely moved from hospital into continuing care are categorically untrue,” she said.

“When continuing care facilities have vacancies, patients in hospital who no longer require acute care are transitioned into these spaces to receive the care they need in comfortable, appropriate spaces. This also ensures hospital beds are able to be utilized by the acute patients who need them most.”