EDMONTON — Hundreds of workers at three retirement communities in Edmonton have joined the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE).
“These workers approached us because they were concerned about their jobs, their working conditions, and the quality of care provided to residents,” says AUPE Vice-President Bobby-Joe Borodey. “They knew their best protection was to belong to Western Canada’s largest union.”
AUPE’s newest 225 members work at three Christenson sites in Edmonton:
Devonshire Village at 1728 Rabbit Hill Road;Village at Westmount at 13317-115 Avenue; andGlastonbury Village at 1585 Glastonbury Blvd.
Staff include Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Health Care Aides (HCAs), as well as support workers in housekeeping and maintenance.
AUPE represents about 62,000 workers in the health-care sector, many working in continuing care.
“Residents in retirement and continuing-care facilities become like second families to workers. They were anxious about their jobs but also wanted to ensure that they will be able to keep providing the highest quality of care,” says Borodey.
Work will begin soon on negotiating first contracts for these new members.
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