The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees has applied for a strike vote, on behalf of hundreds of workers at Extendicare facilities located throughout Alberta.
The AUPE said Tuesday that officials had applied for the vote with the Alberta Labour Relations Board Friday – after the employer rejected the majority of a mediator’s recommendations for labour settlement.
In a press release, AUPE President Guy Smith said the union didn’t want to move towards labour action.
“Unfortunately, Extendicare’s actions have provoked labour unrest, leaving uncertainty for residents, their families and staff,” Smith said.
According to the union, Extendicare is pushing for earning’s rollbacks – which means take-home pay would be reduced, to cutting sick time, the union said that would mean staff would have to work while sick, and include the lowest number of holidays compared to other healthcare agreements in Alberta.
Smith said the employer has blamed Alberta Health Services funding for the proposed cuts to compensation.
“Without an agreement that attracts and keeps staff, residents will be left to suffer and we’re not okay with that,” AUPE Negotiator Kevin Davediuk said. “We’re open to continue negotiations.”
The union’s Extendicare bargaining group represents about 1,200 care staff at the senior’s care facilities, about 1,000 seniors are served at the eight Extendicare locations in Alberta.
