Reminder to media: Info picket Sept. 21 at Bethany CollegeSide
RED DEER – Media are invited to attend an information picket today, Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 3 p.m. at the Bethany CollegeSide continuing care centre, 99 College Circle in Red Deer.
Staff members at the site are holding the picket to bring attention to staffing changes that will impact resident care and decrease workplace health and safety in the facility.
All part-time HCAs employed at the facility were given a letter last week indicating that a shift change would be implemented on Oct. 14 of this year, and as of Oct. 13, their positions were being abolished. They were informed that they would be able to choose a new shift position from the revised schedule, but could only choose a position that had an equal number or fewer hours than their current position.
Members of Local 048/021 fear that a significant reduction in the number of care hours available to residents will have serious impacts on the quality of care they receive. As well, a reduction of care hours will affect workplace health and safety, which requires practices such as two-person lifts.
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For more information, contact:
Brenda Stewart, Membership Services Officer, AUPE – 403-340-7382
Andrew Hanon, Communications Officer, AUPE – 780-930-5218