Hundreds of continuing care workers gathered in Calgary on Saturday to protest what they describe as severely inadequate care levels in seniors' facilities. The rally, held during a four-day conference at the Telus Convention Centre, is also being used by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) to strategize ongoing bargaining with the provincial government.
Union criticizes $400-million investment
AUPE President Sandra Azocar stated that the province's recent announcement of $400 million to create 1,100 continuing care spaces lacks transparency and accountability. She argued that the funds will primarily expand privately provided care, making it unaffordable for many Albertans.
"Those who can afford to pay get what they need, and those who can't, won't," Azocar said. She emphasized that the investment fails to address foundational issues, particularly severe staff shortages that compromise both working conditions and patient care.
Staffing crisis and poor pay
Azocar highlighted that low wages force many workers to hold two or three jobs, making hiring and retention extremely difficult. "They're incredibly undervalued given their responsibility and the essentials that they're providing," she said. Some workers even purchase personal care items for seniors out of their own pockets, exacerbating their financial struggles.
The union also criticized the government's efforts to move alternate care seniors from hospitals into community facilities that are not adequately prepared. "The government is very proud of the fact they've emptied so many alternate care beds, but some of those seniors are being put into whatever bed is available and not necessarily receiving the level of care they need," Azocar noted.
Lack of staffing standards
The AUPE argues that low care levels are worsened by the absence of staffing-to-patient ratios and minimum hours of direct care. Of the 150 contracts under which AUPE members work, many are in bargaining, but significant gaps remain between the two sides.
Azocar warned that while Essential Services legislation and short-staffing undermine the union's ability to strike, other tactics may be employed. "In some negotiations, there definitely are some of those actions that will need to be taken sooner than later," she said.
Government response
The Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services did not respond to a request for comment on Saturday. However, when announcing the $400-million spending on April 29, the government described it as the largest expansion of continuing care in the province's history.
