Bargaining Update: Carewest General Support Services

The wage re-opener arbitration hearings for Carewest General Support Services (GSS) have now wrapped up and we await a decision from the arbitrator.  
 
We will now wait for the Arbitrator’s decision, expected in the new year (2021).
 
The wage re-opener hearings took place on October 19-20, 2020, with final arguments presented by both sides on October 20.

A wage re-opener arbitration was negotiated in the last round of bargaining to determine salary increases for the 3rd year of the contract. We accepted a 0% increase for the last two years (2017-2019) and an arbitrated wage re-opener for the last year (2019-2020).

We are now awaiting a decision from the Arbitrator, with no firm date on when a decision will be made. We’ve made our argument and are confident we deserve a wage increase.

You are health care heroes. Even before the pandemic, you were the safety net that saved lives and tackled problems; the difference between life and death for many Albertans. Your work is even more vital and important now. And highly valued and appreciated by all Albertans.

Prepare to Fight Back

But our fight isn’t over when arbitration ends. The Alberta Health Services (AHS) review instigated by Jason Kenney’s UCP government and developed by Ernst and Young has recommended selling Carewest (along with Capital Care) to a private provider.

Sign our Open Letter to stop the privatization of Carewest.

We know Albertans receive the best care when in the public system, so we must prepare to fight for our jobs and the people we care for.

Please share this information with your co-workers. If you have questions about the Wage Reopening Arbitration Hearings or how to fight back against Jason Kenney’s privatization plans, please contact a member of your negotiating team or AUPE resource staff.

Solidarity!

Carewest GSS Negotiating Team

Local 048, Chapter 008
Lorena Cavero - [email protected]
Jane Swaren (A) - [email protected]
Local 048, Chapter 009
Rene Gripping - [email protected]
Local 048, Chapter 010
Tim Sherba - [email protected]
Kris Kovatch (A) -  [email protected]
Local 048, Chapter 035
Denise Kuzyk - [email protected]
Maria Sobrino (A) - [email protected]

AUPE Resource Staff for Carewest GSS

Chris Dickson, Negotiator — [email protected]
Kate Jacobson, Organizer — [email protected]
Terry Inigo-Jones, Communications — [email protected]