For Immediate Release
September 9, 2004
Bethany wants to have 2nd class RNS
Nurses picketing Bethany Care long-term facility in Calgary
United Nurses of Alberta nurses are mounting an informational picket at the Bethany Care Centre in Calgary to let citizens know the long-term care provider continues to refuse to reach a new contract agreement.
“Bethany Care continues to insist it doesn’t need to have a Registered nurse in charge on its units, a standard that applies to nearly 140 other facilities that provide long-term care in the province, that’s one of our big concerns,” says UNA President Heather Smith.
“When people come into these places, and they put their loved ones into a home for care, they have a belief that they’re going to have proper care, and proper care includes a Registered nurse,” she points out.
Bethany Care is one of fifteen remaining long-term care facilities who have refused to negotiate a new contract. UNA has negotiated contracts for over 20,000 nurses in the province, but these Employers with fewer than 500 RNs have refused to come to terms. This group is part of the province-wide negotiations and province-wide job action by all nurses remains a possibility.
“These Employers clearly appear to be looking for a confrontation not a smooth running relationship,” Heather Smith said.
Other outstanding issues include the refusal by the Employers to match the recently settled provincial terms on health benefits, seniority, vision care and in other areas.
“These long-term care operators are implying that these Registered nurses do not deserve the same recognition as other RNs in the province,” Heather Smith said.
UNA Informational Picket
11:30 am to 12:15 pm Thursday, September 9, 2004.
Bethany Care Centre-Calgary
916 – 18A Street NW
South Entrance on 8th Avenue and 18A Street
UNA President Heather Smith will be available at the Picket Line for further comment.
For more information: Keith Wiley, Communications Officer 780 425-1025.
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