Dozens of continuing care workers and supporters rallied in Calgary on Monday, demanding action from the provincial government.
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) launched its continuing care campaign earlier this month, warning that the province’s health-care restructuring is increasing pressures on long-term and continuing care facilities.
“We’re here today in support of the bargaining process that’s taking place today and tomorrow for the nursing care staff that actually work in this facility,” says AUPE President Sandra Azocar.
“We’re here to show that our members have had enough of the disrespect when it comes to undervaluing the work that they do on behalf of the residents in these facilities.”
While AUPE bargains with Carewest for better wages, they say the problem is more systematic. The union says more Albertans with complex medical needs are being moved out of hospitals and into continuing care homes that often lack the staffing and resources needed to provide appropriate care.
In a statement to CityNews, the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services called it a local bargaining issue between AUPE and Carewest.
“We hope that the two sides will continue to negotiate and reach a fair and equitable resolution,” reads the statement.
The ministry rejects claims of unsafe transfers, saying patients move to continuing care only when suitable spaces are available. But AUPE says that’s not what workers are seeing.
The union is calling for mandated minimum staffing levels and care hours, improved wages and working conditions, and greater transparency around public funding provided to privately operated continuing care facilities.