CUPE launches national workload campaign

Judy Darcy, National President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, used Alberta as the launching pad of a new CUPE campaign against work overload.

"Our members have been telling us that they’re overworked and underpaid. They’re tired, and they are not going to take it anymore," said Darcy.

"When 82% of our members report they have problems finding time for one on one attention to residents and patients in health care facilities, the government and the health regions better listen," said Darcy. "And when a similar number report added duties and increased stress on the job in health care facilities, it’s long past listening. It’s time for action."

"We are calling on our members to refuse unpaid overtime, refuse to work through their breaks, and to refuse unsafe work. We are releasing an action plan that will give our members the tools they need to fight back. And, we are taking this action now as we prepare for bargaining for over 5,000 health care workers in the coming year," she said.