AUPE mourns loss of member to virus
EDMONTON – Today (Friday), the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) heard the tragic news that a member working on the front lines has lost his life to COVID-19.
“This is a very sad day for the union,” says Susan Slade, vice-president of AUPE, which represents more than 90,000 workers, many of whom are on the front lines of the pandemic fight. “Today, we are thinking about this member, his family, friends and colleagues who are obviously devastated.”
A correctional officer at the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre has died after contracting the virus. His name has not been released. He is believed to have been in his 50s.
“We have been saying since the pandemic began that our members who work in the front lines are heroes. They put their commitment to their work and to keeping Albertans ahead of their own safety,” says Slade.
“It has not been confirmed to us where he contracted the virus, but there has been a significant outbreak at the correctional facility,” she says.
“AUPE urges Albertans to take the pandemic seriously and to follow the pandemic rules. The danger is real and lives are at stake.”
The pandemic has claimed 666 lives in Alberta so far. AUPE has tens of thousands of members working on the front lines in health care, correctional facilities, government services and education.
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Susan Slade is available for interviews.
Please contact Terry Inigo-Jones, communications officer, at 403-831-4394.