Workers
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Enough is Enough: No time left for political foot-dragging
EDMONTON — The last two press conferences held by Premier Jason Kenney and Minister of Health Jason Copping have been filled with what Premier Kenney does best: non-answers, inconsistent with what Albertans actually need to stop this devastating fourth wave. In his many non-responses to media questions, our Premier continuously compared our province’s current COVID-19 numbers with those of other jurisdictions in this and previous waves, downplaying the true gravity of our present situation.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
September 30, 2021 -
Cabinet Shuffle September 2021
EDMONTON — Today the Alberta government saw its second cabinet shuffle in less than three months. This time, Premier Kenney has named a new Health Minister: Jason Copping, MLA for Calgary-Varsity and previously, the Minister of Labour and Immigration.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
September 21, 2021 -
Government once again fails to put in measures to immediately meet the health care capacity crisis
Yesterday’s announcement from Health Minister Tyler Shandro regarding our health care system capacity failed to introduce any new public health measures to address the growing number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the province.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
September 10, 2021 -
Government's latest proposal continues to let down front-line workers and patients
September 8, 2021
EDMONTON
Government's latest proposal continues to let down front-line workers and patients
While the government’s latest proposal in the ongoing negotiations with the United Nurses of Alberta rescinds their previous plans to cut wages by three percent, they continue to undermine nurses’ value by rolling back compensation through other areas of their collective agreement, in what would amount to an immediate pay cut of two percent for Alberta's nurses.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
September 08, 2021 -
Government continues to disrespect Alberta’s front-line workers
August 16, 2021
EDMONTONLate last week, Albertans learned that Alberta Health Services is contemplating plans to address nursing shortages by hiring contract nurses. AHS has been in ongoing negotiations with United Nurses of Alberta, and has proposed a 3% pay cut for the nurses it employs, which the UCP government has claimed is necessary in order to get Alberta’s finances “back on track.” Now we see that they are considering offers from Greenstaff Medical Canada to contract nurses for $55-$75 an hour — compared to $36.86-$48.37 per hour earned by AHS nurses currently.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
August 16, 2021 -
FOM stands solidarity with nurses for patient safety
EDMONTON — Friends of Medicare stands in solidarity today with the United Nurses of Alberta, as they stand up for patient care with information pickets at hospitals and health facilities across the province.
Albertans have seen firsthand how invaluable nurses and all their health care colleagues have been to our province throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet health care workers have seen continued disrespect from the provincial government, culminating in recent attempts to slash their wages.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
August 11, 2021 -
Friends of Medicare stands with Capital Care and Carewest workers
Friends of Medicare stands with health care workers from Capital Care and Carewest protesting the expected sale of Alberta’s public Long-Term Care facilities. We join members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees Local 049 today at their noon-hour rally in opposition to the Alberta government’s continued privatization of Alberta’s continuing care.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
July 29, 2021 -
Government applauds nurses, cuts their wages in the same breath
EDMONTON — Yesterday, Finance Minister Travis Toews announced that the government would be moving forward with plans to cut salaries of Alberta’s nurses. The newly proposed 3% salary rollback comes in addition to previously announced rollbacks, in the form of reduced shift and weekend premiums. All together, Alberta’s nurses are facing at least 5% compensation reduction.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
July 07, 2021 -
Friends of Medicare's statement in recognition of National Nursing Week 2021
Nurses deserve to be valued and respected beyond National Nursing Week
May 10th to 16th marks this year’s National Nursing Week. Friends of Medicare would like to take this opportunity to recognize the instrumental role that nurses play throughout every aspect of our health care system—a role that has been amplified and become all the more vital as we battle the disastrous consequences of a worldwide pandemic.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
May 11, 2021 -
Health Minister's recognition of National Medical Laboratory Week falls flat
EDMONTON
April 12, 2021
Health Minister's recognition of National Medical Laboratory Week falls flat
On a Sunday afternoon, Health Minister Tyler Shandro released a statement in recognition of National Laboratory Week. In his statement, he highlighted the role that medical laboratory professionals have played during this pandemic as an integral part of the province’s COVID-19 response. He encouraged Albertans to “reach out and thank a medical laboratory professional for their untold contributions in building a strong health system." But despite these empty platitudes, the minister and this government continue to move forward with the privatization of our lab services.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
April 12, 2021
