The Association of Allied Health Professionals says it is “infuriated” with “silence it has received from the PC government.
The AAHP says Premier Tony Wakeham has failed to respond to repeated requests for engagement while its members grow frustrated with what they say is a healthcare system in “turmoil” and a government that “appears unwilling to follow through on its commitments.”
President Gord Piercey says there are a number of issues of concern for his members, not the least of which is the new health professionals pay scale, which was negotiated during the last round of collective bargaining.
Piercey says they have been patient given delays related to the election, caretaker mode, and procedural issues. However, Piercey argues the issue has gone past bureaucratic delays, saying “it is complete disrespect to our members.”
He says recruitment and retention challenges persist across the healthcare system, and the new pay scale is a key component of addressing that.
The Association claims it has reached out directly to the premier, but he did not respond and the issue was directed to other officials – despite public comments that he has met with all unions.
“That sends a clear message – and it is not a positive one” asserts Piercey, noting that it will set a “difficult tone” as they move into contract negotiations in the coming months.
Premier Tony Wakeham
Premier provides update in the House of Assembly
Premier Tony Wakeham says some problems had developed preventing him from meeting with the union, and he provided an update in the House of Assembly.
“I’ve already met with NAPE on a couple of occasions, spoken with the President of NAPE on more than one occasion, and with the AAHP there were some challenges with the Labour Relations Board, I was advised not to meet, but I can tell this Honourable House that I have a meeting tomorrow morning with AAHP.”
