EDMONTON – Alberta social workers, many represented by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, plan a series of rallies in their communities on May 1.

"Our members want to show that we stand for just treatment of people who need society’s help as well as dignity and respect for the social workers who deliver that help," said AUPE President Dan MacLennan.

"AUPE social workers, child care counselors, psychologists and others in the field have difficult, stressful jobs, helping adults, children and families who are in real difficulty," MacLennan said. "It is often thankless work, with heavy caseloads in areas such as foster care, and AUPE believes it is important that they be recognized for their contribution to society."

Maureen Braun, Chair of AUPE Local 006, which represents social workers, child care counselors, psychologists and others employed by the provincial government, said "social programs are under assault everywhere in North America, and our members who are on the front lines delivering these important programs want to show their concern about this situation."

Participants in the rallies will be showing support for the rights of social workers and their clients, celebrating their solidarity and calling for fair funding for social programs, Braun said.

A list of the May 1 workplace rallies is included below. Each will take place at noon.

AUPE President MacLennan will participate in the Edmonton rally.


For more information, contact:
Dan MacLennan, President, AUPE, 780-930-3301 or 780-910-8392 (cellular phone)
Maureen Braun, Chair, AUPE Local 006, 780-475-7991 or 780-906-8542 (cellular phone)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (cellular phone)

For a link to a poster, click here.

May 1 Noon Rallies:

Edmonton:
Peace Hills Trust Building
10011 – 109 Street

Calgary:
McDougall Centre
455 – 6th Street S.W.

Fort McMurray:
Fort McMurray Provincial Building
9915 Franklin Ave.

Lethbridge:
Lethbridge Provincial Building
200 – 5th Ave. S.

Lac la Biche:
Regional Office
Nippawan Road

Medicine Hat:
Medicine Hat Provincial Building
346 – 3rd Street S.E.

Peace River:
Midwest Electric Building
9715 - 100th Street

Slave Lake:
Lakeland Centre
Main St.

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