Health care aides at Lions Housing Personal Care Home will be holding an information picket on Thursday, August 8, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local 3729 is organizing the information picket to raise public awareness about the ongoing issue of working short staffed in the personal care home, as well as to the low wages for which health care aides are expected to perform their duties.
“Health care aides in long-term care facilities are underpaid, overworked, and often work short staffed,” said Paula Raposo, CUPE long term care coordinator. “These employees provide valuable care for residents and deserve respect from the employer in return.”
The collective agreement between CUPE 3729 and the employer expired in September 2012.
“Addressing the issue of working short staffed is a priority for our members” said Raposo. “Providing quality care to Manitoba’s seniors is what our members pride themselves on and we ask that the employer take action to ensure adequate staffing.”
Long term care employees at CUPE 2719 (Maples Personal Care Home) held four days of information pickets in July, demanding that the issue of working short staffed be addressed in their facility.
“Our members are taking action in order to provide the level and quality of care we all deserve,” concluded Raposo.
CUPE is Canada’s largest union and represents more than 25,000 workers in Manitoba.