“These employees work around the clock to provide critical services to Alberta’s seniors. The nursing care and support staff at Wetaskiwin Meadows are truly the heart and backbone of seniors care in their community,” said AUPE vice-president Karen Weiers.
“We’re pleased to see these workers organize. Now they can take steps toward improving their worksite by negotiating wages, working conditions and more that will benefit both them and the seniors they care for,” Weiers said.
Wetaskiwin Meadows is operated by Bethany Group, a private, not-for-profit organization that runs supportive care, independent living and continuing care facilities for seniors across Alberta.
In December of last year, AUPE members at the Bethany Group Lodges sites secured a collective agreement that brought LPNs’, HCAs’ and maintenance workers’ salaries in line with industry standards while ushering in other important worker protections.
“By joining AUPE, staff at Wetaskiwin Meadows will continue the fight for fair compensation, and respectful and equal treatment of workers in seniors care,” said Weiers.
AUPE represents more than 93,000 members province-wide. More than half work in health care, including public, private and non-profit seniors care.
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For more information:
Celia Shea, AUPE communications officer: 780-720-8122