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AUPE workers rally at an information picket in front of Medicine Hat's provincial building on Wednesday. (Photo: Pattison Media)

‘Our workers are burned out’: AUPE pickets in Medicine Hat for government support for disability workers

Jan 30, 2025 | 8:42 AM

Members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees were raising awareness in Medicine Hat on Wednesday for what they call a staffing crisis for disability worker in the province.

An information picket to support workers in the family support for children with disabilities, and persons with developmental disabilities took place in front of the provincial building on Third Street Southeast in downtown Medicine Hat over the noon hour.

Approximately 50 AUPE workers and supporters rallied, with some coming from across the province.

Curtis Jackson, AUPE vice president assigned to the south region, said to the crowd they are tired of doing more with less.

“Our workers are burned out,” Jackson said.

“They are leaving the profession. We need more on the ground and we need services to Albertans.

Jackson says the information pickets are a direct response to the provincial funding cuts going on in disability services in this province.

A waiting list he claims is over 12,000 families with children who have vulnerable disabilities that need support.

“Even though we have a [provincial government] budget surplus, we’re seeing cuts to advocacy groups as well as cuts to temporary contracted workers,” Jackson said.

“As a result, we’re having workers that are permanent have their caseloads go sky high and they can’t make a dent in this wait list,” he added.

“At the end of the day, we’ve got Albertans waiting and waiting and waiting. In some cases, we’ve heard stories of up to five years to have their needs assessed and get disability supports in this province.”

Information pickets have already taken place in Edmonton and Red Deer, with Medicine Hat being the third stop.

Shamanthi Cooray, chairperson for the social work sector of AUPE, made the trip from Edmonton, and said they take social justice very seriously.

“When our workers and our families and children are impacted, then, of course, we will go out and support all the smaller communities,” Cooray said.

“We make sure that all of our chapters has the resources that is necessary to fight the cuts.”

Jackson says their union is asking the minister of seniors, community and social services, MLA Jason Nixon to reconsider the cuts.

“It’s not too late to do the right thing and extend these temporary contracts,” Jackson said.

“Perhaps even look at getting more workers in those offices to deal with this wait list and get Albertans the services they desperately need.”

Jackson said their next information picket will be in Lethbridge on Tuesday.

He says AUPE will be hosting engagement sessions with Albertans who are directly impacted by this as well.

CHAT TV made a call to minister Nixon’s office, and are awaiting a response.

READ MORE: Province discontinuing funding for disability support group in Lethbridge

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