COVID-19 vaccines must be free for front-line workers, says AUPE

EDMONTON – Forcing workers to pay for COVID-19 vaccinations puts those workers and the people they help at risk, says the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE).

“Vaccines save lives. Anyone who works closely with at-risk Albertans should have access to free vaccines,” says Bonnie Gostola, vice-president of AUPE, which represents Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Health-Care Aides (HCAs), and support staff at hospitals, health centres and continuing-care facilities.

AUPE also represents other workers who come face-to-face with Albertans, including social workers, child-care workers, corrections officers and others in law enforcement.

“The Alberta government has a responsibility to do all it can to protect high-risk people in the community and is making the vaccine free for them. Making the people who care for them and work with them pay for the vaccine makes no sense,” she says.

“The premier seems determined to make it harder for people to get the vaccine by forcing most people to pay for it, but an exception must be made for workers who interact with at-risk Albertans every day.”

The Alberta government has not revealed how much it will charge for people getting the vaccine, but has said that it costs $110 to procure each shot.

A fee of that amount would make getting the vaccine a significant expense. Health-Care Aides, for example, would have to work a full day to take home enough money to pay for the vaccine.

“The province should make it easier to get the vaccine, but is throwing up barriers instead,” says Gostola. “The pandemic proved that workers are a vital part of the system. They need to be protected so they can protect Albertans.”

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AUPE VP Bonnie Gostola is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact Terry Inigo-Jones, Communications Officer, at [email protected].