On Monday October 26, across Alberta front-line hospital workers have walked off the job to stand up against the Kenney government’s decision to cut 11,000 jobs in the healthcare sector.
The Trending 55 Newsroom had a chance to speak with Alberta Union of Public Employees Vice-President Kevin Barry, whose territory is the northwest.
“Workers in healthcare have had enough of what this government is doing to them,” says Barry.
“With the Health Minister saying that they will cut 11,000 positions, the workers are saying enough is enough and they will not take it anymore.”
He adds that the workers on the picket line are standing up against the privatization of healthcare as well.
“What it (privatization) really means is handing public dollars over to private corporations and for small communities, that means that people won’t have the ability to have somewhat of a better income, benefits and pensions,” explains Barry.
He also says it can impact the community as well.
“The money that would typically go to these workers is going to go to a corporation that will not be based in Peace River.”
According to a spokesperson with AUPE, 33 people in Peace River are on the picket lines today.
Finance Minister, Travis Toews released a statement this morning calling the strikes illegal.
“I’ve been aware of a number of illegal strikes taking place in hospitals and health care settings across the province,” says Toews in and e-mailed statement.
“Government’s primary concern is ensuring the health and well being of patients, which has been put at risk this morning. Alberta spends 42% of its budget on health – which has increased 17% since 2015. Health spending is at record highs and is expected to be $20.9 billion this year – this does not include $769 million earmarked specifically for COVID-19. Alberta Health Services is taking immediate action with the Alberta Labour Relations Board to end this illegal activity. Those involved in this illegal action will be held accountable.”
-Erika Rolling & Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
