CUPE long-term care workers have ratified a new deal.
Five locals in Bonnyville, St. Paul, Leduc, Viking and Lethbridge have accepted the terms of a contract that sees employees get a shift differential of $1.65/hour and an increase in weekend premiums.
The deal is in effect until December 2009.
CUPE Representative Don MacAskill says the contract reflects efforts to attract new workers.
"This was a difficult round of bargaining," says MacAskill. "Given that members are trying to keep pace with a booming economy and a rising cost of living."
MacAskill added that the deal accepted by long-term care workers shows that Extendicare has realized they have serious problems with staff shortages, recruitment and retention. He adds that the provincial government still has much work to do in the long-term care sector.
"It’s been two years since the Auditor General ordered a total overhaul of the long-term care sector by the provincial Conservative government. Alberta’s seniors, and those who care for them, are still waiting for those promises to be fulfilled."