Alberta Health Services denies employee time with husband on leave from military mission in Afghanistan
EDMONTON—Alberta Health Services is denying a housekeeping employee at Sturgeon Hospital time off to spend with her husband, a soldier on leave from his mission in Afghanistan.
Alberta Union of Provincial Employees President Guy Smith said it’s just one more example of Alberta Health Services putting the bottom line ahead of people’s needs.
“AHS continues to bring down morale on the worksite with actions like this. Unfortunately, this kind of thing isn’t an isolated incident. The track record of AHS is shameful,” Smith said.
“From attempts to close beds at Alberta Hospital Edmonton and take away snacks and hygiene products from patients there, to contracting out hospital security, to cancelling Christmas meals for employees, and now denying a woman time with a loved one who is putting his life on the line for us in Afghanistan, one has to wonder where their hearts are.”
“Considering that this organization is charged with ensuring the well-being of some three million Albertans, this pattern of callous behaviour towards the needs of patients and employees is alarming,” said Smith.
The woman, who is employed in environmental services by AHS at the Sturgeon Hospital in St. Albert, requested 15 days off in January and the beginning of February to coincide with her husband’s leave.
The request was rejected as she had not accrued enough vacation time. AHS would only agree to give her twelve days off for accrued vacation time and indicated that finding other employees to cover her shifts on the remaining three days could help her request.
The AUPE member subsequently obtained written promises from co-workers that were willing to cover her shifts and told AHS that she would be willing to take the time off as leave without pay. AHS refused her requests.
The union cannot identify the member affected by name, due to concerns about employer reprisal due to Alberta Health Services’ code of conduct.
“Our members are being backed into a corner and are unable to speak out, so we’re doing it for them,” said Smith.
For more information:
Guy Smith, President, AUPE – 780-930-3301, 780-265-2294 (cellular)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE – 780-930-3311, or 780-717-2943 (cellular)
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