EDMONTON- Seniors care workers from an assisted living centre in west Edmonton are marking 100 days on the picket line.
Nursing and support service employees from the Waterford of Summerlea residence walked off the job after contract negotiations broke down with Chantelle Management Ltd., the BC-based organization that owns the facility.
“We have been trying to negotiate a first collective agreement since December, 2011, but the employer delayed and dragged out negotiations until we had no other option but to take job action,” said Bill Dechant, executive secretary-treasurer of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), which represents the workers.
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Dechant says one of the main reasons for the strike is a lack of adequate sick leave. He also says support staff wages are about 25 to 30 per cent below the industry standard.
When it began, 65 members were involved in the strike. Since then, Chantelle has cancelled its contract with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to provide home care to residents. About 30 licensed practical nurses and health-care aides were served layoff notice in June, Dechant said.
“It’s been a long, hard fight for these workers,” he said. “But they’re determined to stick it out.”
The Waterford at Summerlea is a 142-suite supportive living facility located at 93rd Avenue and 172nd Street.
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