A hundred and twenty-one seniors care workers are set to walk off the job on Thursday.
The nursing and support staff at the Edith Cavell Care Centre claim their employer, Chantelle Management, is withholding public funding intended for direct care as profit.
The auxiliary nursing and support staff at the centre are represented by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, who has been bargaining for a new collective agreement since October 2014.
“Chantelle is receiving public funding to provide seniors care and they have also increased the accommodation rates they are charging to residents, but they are skimming money from staff salaries as profit instead of ensuring quality care for residents,” said Carrie-Lynn Rusznak, AUPE Vice-president.
A mediator was called in in January to help with negotiations. A three per cent wage increase on a one-year contract was recommended. However, Chantelle Management was not on board with the new deal.
“Chantelle is jeopardizing the quality of care for Edith Cavell residents by keeping staff compensation below industry standards,” explained Rusznak.
“Relationships are the key to quality care, but when employee turnover is high, caregivers can’t develop trusting relationships with the seniors they care for.”
A strike vote was held in May, but was delayed in the hopes that a deal could be reached. Due to Chantelle Management’s most recent offer, which AUPE said was lower than their original during mediation.
The union sent a notice on Tuesday morning, which stated that workers were planning to strike at noon Thursday.
- Posters promoting ‘Steal From Loblaws Day’ are circulating. How did we get here?
- As Canada’s tax deadline nears, what happens if you don’t file your return?
- Video shows Ontario police sharing Trudeau’s location with protester, investigation launched
- Is $10/day child-care at risk of ‘derailment’? Report spurs questions
Comments