Auxiliary nurses return to work after strike
By John Barlow
Staff Reporter and Sports Editor
Auxiliary nurses in the Headwaters region and across Alberta agreed to return to work last week, however, not without the union paying a hefty price.
On May 26, Alberta's 17 regional health authorities and the Alberta Union of Provincial
Employees (AUPE) accepted the government mediator's recommendations thus ending a
two-day strike.
The terms of the recommendations are that licensed practical nurses (LPNs) will receive
a wage increase of 16 per cent over the next two years and nursing assistants (NAs)
will see a 14 per cent increase over the same period.
'We're pleased to see an end to the dispute and have our staff back at work,' said
Headwaters CEO Dwight Nelson in a press release. 'All of our staff are important
members of the health care team.'
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At Oilfields Hospital, 23 LPNs and 18 NAs took to the picket line after the AUPE issued strike action last Wednesday (May 24).
'We need a raise,' explained Oilfields strike captain Peggy LeBoutillier during the strike. 'We have never been on strike before but this has to be done.'
While striking, LPNs and NAs at Oilfields Hospital indicated their support for the AUPE and its president Dan MacLennan and said if they had a choice they would rather be back at work.
'We love our work and we love the people we care for,' said NA Marg Holman. 'We have become very attached to these patients. . . but for what we do, we can't expect not to be paid for it.'
While Headwaters' LPNs and NAs are undoubtedly glad to be back at work this week, the cost of the strike did not come without a hefty fine for the union and MacLennan.
Due to illegal strike action, health employers filed civil contempt action against the AUPE at the Court of Queen's Bench calling it 'a matter of principle and respect for the law and patients.'
After hearing arguments from the health employers and the union, the court found the AUPE and MacLennan jointly liable for contempt and fined them $400,000.
'The court sent a clear message that the law is the law and should be obeyed,' said Judith Dyck, spokesperson for the Provincial Health Authorities of Alberta in a press release. 'Everyone in Alberta now understands what a strike in health care does to the system and why it is illegal for health care employees to walk off the job -- strikes have no place in the health care system.'
The accepted recommendation for LPNs and NAs will make them the fifth highest paid in Canada and wage increases are expected to cost the health system an additional $46 million over the next two years.
On the auction block
Thousands came out to peruse the fabulous
collectible cars this weekend at the 26th annual Collector Car Auction held over
two days at the Okotoks Recreation Centre. The car auction is one of the longest
running with hundreds of antique cars up for bids.
photo by Cindy Ballance
FREMS may downsize to alleviate rising debt
By John Barlow
Staff Reporter and Sports Editor
In order to slash operating costs Foothills Regional Emergency Medical Services
(FREMS) may be forced to cut back or close some departments.
Town of Okotoks Councillor Laurie Hodson revealed in a report to council on Tuesday
that the financial forecast for FREMS is grim and some drastic changes may have to
be made.
Hodson hinted that the FREMS detachment in the new Priddis fire hall as one that
may be a potential target for cutbacks.
The Okotoks councillor did say one of the glaring problems is FREMS is anticipating
it will be $100,000 over budget in salaries and benefits which is one of the main
reasons the commission may look at downsizing its operations.
'Finances continue to be a challenge,' said Hodson who is Okotoks' representative
on the FREMS commission. 'I don't think council would be so tolerant this year as
they were last year if we asked for another increase in requisition.'
Last year FREMS made an 11th hour plea to each partnering municipality to contribute
the additional $150,000 to the budget needed to keep the service afloat. The municipalities
that fund FREMS include Okotoks, High River, Black Diamond, Longview, Turner Valley,
Nanton and the MD of Foothills.
The request forced the towns of Turner Valley and Black Diamond to investigate the
possibility of finding alternative ambulance services.
Although Okotoks contributed the additional funds, some councillors are questioning
the financial viability of the service.
'I am concerned about the financial planning and financial responsibility,' said
Councillor Cheryl Pedscalny. 'If this is not nipped in the bud (FREMS) will find
itself in serious trouble after an increase in requisition (last year) and still
has this kind of debt.'
After the first quarter, FREMS remains approximately $83,000 in debt after and is
currently accessing its line-of-credit despite the financial bailout from the municipalities.
Although cash flow has improved in the first quarter, the most recent financial report
indicates FREMS will be again deep in debt by more than $270,000 by the conclusion
of the current fiscal year.
The commission had expected a debt of approximately $150,000 at the end of the year.
'I wish I had a magic answer,' said Hodson who dug in and answered the criticism
from his fellow councillors. 'We can't hide from the facts. We just don't have a
solution.'
Okotoks council did agree, however, it was good to be informed of FREMS financial
quandary much earlier in the year and not at the last moment which occurred last
year.
Hodson said it is still early in the year and there is time to find equitable solutions,
but the commission must hunker down.
The commission is currently working on a three-year business plan and cash flow projections
with MD treasurer Bill Robinson.
