CUPE Local 2523, representing close to 200 Atlantic Baptist Nursing Home workers, along with CUPE PEI, issues a statement regarding the recently published Long-Term Care (LTC) review. While the review acknowledges inequities and calls for improvements in the private sector, it falls short of addressing the fundamental issues faced by LTC residents and workers.

The report emphasizes aligning qualifications, recruitment, retention, and financial aspects but lacks a comprehensive plan for improving LTC conditions. “Simply aligning an underfunded public sector with an even worse private sector does not provide the visionary change needed in LTC,” said CUPE Servicing Representative Lori Mackay.

“Many of the review’s recommendations merely suggest further investigation into known issues, delaying crucial action,” added Mackay. CUPE Local 2523, the PEI Health Council, and CUPE PEI initially presented recommendations in October 2022 advocating for higher-quality care, increased staffing, improved data, wage and working conditions improvements, and clear pandemic plans.

CUPE highlights the following elements, among many others, which were brought forth by care workers but inexplicably absent from the review:

1. Transition private LTC homes to the public sector to ensure higher quality of care.
2. Increase staffing levels in long-term care homes to improve quality of care.
3. Negotiate fairly with unions to improve working conditions for all classifications of workers.
   1. The government has set aside some funds for wages but not true parity between private and public sectors.
   2. In current bargaining, Local 2523 has had no choice but to go into conciliation to push back on their employer’s “zeroes” (years of wage freezes) and below-inflation wage demands.
   3. Unlike other sectors, no worker in LTC has received any retention or recruitment bonuses.
4. Support LTC workers in working reasonable hours and allow workers to take time off.
5. Increase the number of paid sick leave for staff to 20 days per year.
6. Maintain free tuition coverage for resident care worker programs and create educational bridging programs to train Resident Care Workers as Licensed Practical Nurses.
7. Address the workplace psychosocial contributors to poor mental health including harassment, violence, and heavy workload.
8. Enact pay equity in the sector, as LTC work is predominantly done by women.
9. Address the discrepancy in resident infection rates between public and private LTC facilities.

Real progress in LTC requires a more comprehensive approach, which really recognizes the importance of those who deliver care to residents. “CUPE PEI calls on the provincial government to do the right thing and make our long-term care service a real publicly-owned and operated healthcare service. All residents and workers in this sector deserve the same standard of safety, dignity, and quality of care,” concluded Ashley Clark, President of CUPE PEI.

Charlottetown, PEI – CUPE PEI is deeply concerned about the recent announcement made by Health P.E.I. regarding new increases in daily room rates of public long-term care homes. The maximum daily rate for residents in care homes will be increasing from $92.19 to $105.78 per day, matching the higher private sector rates.

“The idea of increasing rates in the public system, as so to match the private sector is a step backward for families and a leap towards privatization in healthcare,” said Ashley Clark, President of CUPE PEI.

CUPE advocates for a true universal public long-term care system, CUPE PEI believes that access to quality long-term care should not be compromised by financial barriers.

“Rates were already unbearably high. Workers’ wages and retirees’ savings are not keeping up with inflation, so the government should be lowering rates, not increasing them,” said Clark. “This is a time where governments should be making public services more accessible, because families need more help, not less,” she added.

Healthcare in Canada is meant to be free and accessible to all, regardless of income. It is Government’s responsibility to administer this care. Health Minister Mark McLane recognized that “…we can’t expect our private long-term care homes to make investments that don’t make sense to their business model,” (June 16, CBC news). “Yet, by making the public option less attractive, this Government is signaling its intention of stepping away from its responsibility of providing public care. That is unacceptable,” said Clark.

CUPE PEI calls on the King Government to bring all private long-term care and healthcare operations into the public sector. “The government should not sacrifice the well-being of Islanders by handing over their basic responsibilities to the private sector,” concluded Clark.

We are thrilled to share with you a summary of the 43rd CUPE PEI convention, where important discussions and decisions were made on behalf of our union members. This gathering brought together over 130 delegates and guests dedicated to promoting fairness, advocating for workers’ rights, and enhancing public services in Prince Edward Island.

The morning session commenced with a lively atmosphere, as attendees enjoyed a breakfast discussion on CUPE’s Anti-Racism Strategy. This initiative aims to foster diversity and inclusivity within our union, ensuring that workers of all backgrounds are valued and represented.

One of the convention’s highlights was the inspiring presentation by Leo Cheverie, a well-known activist from Local 1870. He shared updates on the ongoing “Water is Life” campaign, shedding light on the crucial efforts to protect our precious water resources. Leo’s passion and dedication reminded us of the power we hold as a collective to make positive change.

Delegates actively participated in meaningful debates, particularly on constitutional resolutions. A significant outcome was the unanimous decision to create a diversity seat on the CUPE PEI executive board. This progressive step ensures that the voices and perspectives of Black, Indigenous, and racialized workers are heard and valued within our organization.

During the afternoon, the convention welcomed special guests, Katelyn Rogers and Meghan Rogers, PEI Easter Seals Ambassadors. Their impactful presentation highlighted the vital role our members play in supporting individuals with disabilities and showcased the profound difference our work makes in their lives. Locals Representatives, CUPE National, SCFP Quebec and many more pooled their funds to donate over $15 200 to the PEI Easter Seals

The convention also included important elections. We bid farewell to Leonard Gallant, who concluded his term as Division President and congratulate Ashley Clark on being elected as the new CUPE PEI President (2 year term). In her acceptance speech, Clark expressed her deep gratitude and commitment to advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and quality public services. Under her leadership, we are confident that our Division will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on workers and the community.

We would also like to acknowledge the newly elected representatives who will serve on the board:

• Secretary-Treasurer (2-year term): Linda Jones
• Health Care East employees representative (2-year term): Darren O’Connor
• Education West employees representative (2-year term): Chantal Chanel Walsh
• UPEI 1870 & 501 Security/Police representative (2-year term): Cecia Huang
• Atlantic EMS/Atlantic Baptist Nursing and Group Homes representative (2-year term): Alice Rice
• Young Worker representative (1-year term): Mikayla Gallant
• Trustee (3-year term): Cheryl Koughan

We extend our appreciation to all candidates who put themselves forward, demonstrating their commitment to serving our community and advancing the interests of workers.

In conclusion, we would like to express our gratitude for Islanders’ continued support and engagement. Together, we will strive for a fairer and more inclusive society, where workers’ rights are protected, and public services are of the highest quality. We remain dedicated to building a brighter future for all residents of Prince Edward Island.

CUPE PEI began its 43rd annual convention this Thursday, May 25. The convention will last until Friday afternoon. More than 135 convention-goers have come from the four corners of the province to assemble at the Rodd convention hall in Brudenell.

Many resolutions will be debated, notably on housing, cost-of-living issues, anti-privatization, support for our long-term care workers, health and safety campaigns, and much more. Delegates will hear speeches from multiple speakers such as CUPE National Officers Mark Hancock and Candace Rennick, Frédéric Brisson, Secretary-General of SCFP-Quebec, Carl Pursey, President of the PEI Federation of Labour, among others.

Friday is Leonard Gallant’s last day as CUPE PEI president: delegates will vote for a new Division president for a 2-year term.