CALGARY—Staff at Cambridge Manor, part of the Brenda Strafford Foundation, have voted to join the Alberta Union for Provincial Employees (AUPE) to fight for a better workplace.
During an online vote on June 12, 2024, the 149 licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and health-care aides (HCAs) of Cambridge Manor voted to join Western Canada’s largest union. They want to negotiate better wages, working conditions, and care conditions for the seniors they support.
“These workers came to us because they see what we’ve achieved at other facilities across the province,” says AUPE Vice-President and health care aide Bonnie Gostola. “When we stand together, we can accomplish great things.”
Cambridge Manor is one of five seniors care facilities run by the Brenda Stafford Foundation. Located in Calgary at 253 Smith Street NW, staff are responsible for assisted living and long-term seniors care. Among their concerns are reports of bullying and working short.
“You can provide better care when you have better working conditions,” says Gostola. “Joining a union helps everyone, including the Albertans we support.”
An overwhelming 91% of staff voted in favour of joining AUPE. These members will join the more than 82,000 other AUPE members in bargaining this year, a welcome addition to an already historic bargaining group.
A date to begin bargaining between Brenda Stafford Foundation and the new Local 084 Chapter 029 will be set soon.
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AUPE Vice-President Bonnie Gostola is available for interviews.
Please contact Tamara Aschenbrenner, AUPE communications officer, to arrange: t.aschenbrenner@aupe.org or 780-904-1320.