Solidarity with AUPE

In Alberta, front-line hospital workers who are members of the Alberta Union of Public Employees (AUPE) walked off the job earlier this week in response to news that Alberta Health Services would be cutting 11,000 jobs. HSA has sent a letter of solidarity to AUPE expressing our support for their fight against government cuts and health care privatization. The text of the letter follows:

Dear AUPE President Guy Smith

On behalf of the 20,000 members of the Health Sciences Association of BC, I extend our solidarity and support for those workers who are fighting back against government cutbacks and privatization of public health care.

The actions of the UCP and Premier Jason Kenney are putting patients and workers at risk. Our best defence against COVID-19 is a strong, robust and resilient public health care system. The government’s efforts to undermine public health in the middle of a global pandemic is irresponsible, dangerous and insulting to those workers who have been on the front line of this crisis.

The actions of AUPE members are courageous and bold. This kind of direct action is never done lightly or without deep thought for who it will impact. Their efforts to defend our public health care system is in the interest of all Albertans, especially at a time when we have never needed universal, accessible, public healthcare more.

As a union of health care and community social service workers, we understand what is at stake. We know first-hand what happens when health services are privatized and staffing cut. We know how important this fight is. We stand in solidarity with you.

In solidarity,

Val Avery
President, Health Sciences Association of BC