AUPE rally in Calgary today against privatization of hospital security
CALGARY – AUPE members in Calgary will hold a rally at 3:45 p.m. today at Foothills Medical Centre to oppose the contracting out of hospital security services.
The rally will take place at hospital lot 7, near the intersection of 16 Ave. and 29 St., NW, from 3:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
AUPE members from throughout the city are urged to attend the rally to support quality public service delivery in all aspects of Alberta Health Services. AUPE President Guy Smith will be at the rally.
Hospital and health facility employees throughout Alberta are concerned about plans by Alberta Health Services to reduce the number of security staff and contract out many security services to a private company.
“Security services weren’t the cause of Alberta Health Services’ deficit and they weren’t the cause of the Calgary Health Region’s deficit. They’re trying to solve a financial problem that doesn’t exist,” said Smith.
“Our members know that previous government experiments with the contracting out of security services led to higher staff turnover and lower-quality service, which reduces security for the public and employees,” he said.
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For more information contact:
Guy Smith, President, AUPE, 780-930-3301 or 780-265-2295 (mobile telephone)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (mobile telephone)
AUPE Offices can be reached by calling toll free – 1-800-232-7284.