Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2003

EDMONTON — With AUPE and Capital Care Group negotiators still far apart on several important issues, AUPE’s bargaining committee will seek the assistance of a mediator in hopes of reaching a fair agreement in a timely manner.

The AUPE Local 049 bargaining committee and the employer bargaining committee jointly agreed to apply for mediation, said AUPE Membership Services Officer Pat Newel.

“Over the past couple of months, our bargaining committee has worked hard and made progress in negotiations to improve our collective agreement with Capital Care Group,” Newel said.

However, she explained, while real progress has been made at the bargaining table, several important issues remain unresolved. Among these outstanding issues are wages, the term of the agreement, sick-leave benefits, weekend premiums, on-call premiums and seniority rights.

Both AUPE and the employer’s bargaining committee have agreed to keep future dates that had been set aside for bargaining available for mediation, Newel said.

The Local 049 bargaining committee will keep members informed of any important developments, including the appointment of a provincial mediator to assist with negotiations.

Although AUPE’s collective agreement with Capital Care Group expired on June 30, 2003, all terms and conditions of that agreement will remain in force until a new collective agreement has been ratified by the membership.

AUPE local 049 represents approximately 900 employees of Capital Care Group at six continuing care facilities in the Edmonton area.

Click here for a list of all contract articles that have been agreed to in negotiations by the AUPE and Capital Care bargaining committees.

For more information, contact a member of your bargaining committee: