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By David Opinko

Employers refute AUPE claims that they’re “refusing” to acknowledge new stat for Truth & Reconciliation Day

Aug 26, 2021 | 11:16 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – There is a new statutory holiday in September, but a prominent union in Alberta alleges that some employers are choosing to not acknowledge it.

Back in July, the federal government created a new national holiday for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which will be commemorated for the first time on September 30, 2021.

It is meant to provide an opportunity for people to recognize the legacy of residential schools and the mistreatment of the 150,000+ First Nation, Inuit, and Metis children who were forced to attend.

Bobby-Joe Borodey, Vice President of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) claims that some employers, including Alberta Health Services (AHS), Covenant Health, and the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) plan to either not give staff time off for the holiday or not pay them time and a half.

“This day, in particular, based on what has come to light in the last few months about the legacy of residential schools and the injustices our country is basically culpable for when it comes to the Indigenous peoples – to not recognize this day is a new low,” says Borodey.

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She adds that the healthcare system would not be forced to shut down for a day if employers were to recognize the holiday as they are able to schedule around stats throughout the rest of the year.

A spokesperson for Indigenous Relations Minister Rick Wilson told us that the Alberta Government will not unilaterally require employers to recognize federal statutory holidays.

“For provincially-regulated industries, the question on a work holiday is a decision for individual employers, unless an employee’s employment contract or collective bargaining agreement specifically grants federally-regulated holidays.”

In statements to LNN, the three employers named above said that they are still reviewing the terms of their collective bargaining agreements to see what their obligations are in this regard. They all agree, however, that honouring truth and reconciliation is of the utmost importance.

AHS

“AHS may or may not be obligated to recognize a new federally regulated holiday as part of signed collective bargaining agreements with unionized employees. This is being reviewed.

AHS has been working with stakeholders, including the Wisdom Council, on how to best recognize the day in a meaningful way and planning is underway. AHS has been recognizing September 30, Orange Shirt Day for many years.”

Covenant Health

“Covenant Health has been working with stakeholders, including our Diversity and Inclusion Council and Indigenous Advisory Board on how to best recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in a meaningful way. We are committed to Truth and Reconciliation, and as an organization, we are focused on inclusivity, education, awareness and the ongoing development of strong, meaningful relationships with our Indigenous staff, residents and the community.

Covenant Health is currently reviewing our obligations as part of signed collective bargaining agreements with unionized employees in recognizing a new federally regulated holiday.”

AGLC

“AGLC needs additional time to understand the application of this new statutory holiday, as many employers do. Our focus is on recognizing the day and plans are well underway to engage our staff to participate and reflect on the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation. AGLC also supports Orange Shirt Day and flags will be at half-mast on September 30th as an important day of remembrance and to honour those lives that were lost at residential schools.”

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