Rally held protesting cuts at Extendicare continuing care centre

Oct 6, 2021 | 1:13 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Workers at the Extendicare Fairmont Park continuing care centre protested wage and benefit cuts on Wednesday.

Workers are demanding that Extendicare, a for-profit continuing-care company, immediately cease its attempts to slash their working conditions.

“The Ontario-based corporation had previously attempted to cut AUPE members wages by four per cent and continues to push cuts to workers’ health benefits, dental benefits and retirement plans,” the release states.

They also say that the company is proposing to cut workers’ sick time by 15 per cent, “a particularly egregious assault given the context of the ongoing pandemic.”

Karen Weiers, vice-president of AUPE is calling for justice for workers.

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“It’s honestly insulting that Extendicare is trying to attack working conditions at their care homes.”

“These workers have been keeping residents safe through the pandemic, at great risk to themselves and their families. How can some corporate executive justify cutting their benefits?”

Members of the public helped voice their concerns and chanted to anyone that wanted to listen.

Weiers hopes workers will get the support they require.

“Here in Alberta, we support healthcare workers.”

“We won’t accept attacks on the people who have kept our parents and grandparents safe for the past year and a half. Extendicare should be offering improvements in working conditions, to retain current staff and attract more workers—not slashing benefits, which will only drive workers away and worsen the labour shortage that plagues Alberta’s healthcare system.”

More information from the AUPE can be found here.

by Connor Gunn