Extendicare workers demonstrate across Alberta calling for significant wage increase

A Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) flag is pictured. (Source: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby)

Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) who work at several long term care facilities in Alberta are holding demonstrations as bargaining negotiations go on between the union and Extendicare.

Lou Arab, a communications representative with CUPE, said the union represents about 400 employees at six Extendicare locations in the province. Members do a variety of tasks at the facilities including housekeeping, food preparation, property maintenance and some nursing.

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The starting wage for members is $17.73 per hour, and hasn’t changed much in about 10 years, according to Arab.

“Our members are looking for a significant wage increase to make up for the inflationary pressures of the last decade,” said Arab in an email to CTV News Edmonton. “By contrast to their low wages, the CEO of Extendicare, Michael Guerriere, made $2.2 million last year.”

Demonstrations are to be held at parks in Bonnyville, Fort McLeod, Leduc, St. Paul, Viking and Vulcan from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

In an email, an Extendicare spokesperson said the company is working with CUPE through active discussions to reach a negotiated agreement.

“Out of respect for that process, we will continue to have these important discussions directly with our partners at CUPE,” said the email.