As we watch how the global health pandemic caused by COVID-19 is impacting our communities, we are monitoring responses from different levels of government, workplaces and approaches from different jurisdictions. The AFL wants to continue to share some of this work we are doing with you and keep you informed about how the crisis is being handled.
News
The UCP re-opening child care centres to help ensure essential workers can return or remain at work is a decision worth applauding. Yet, there are still key issues that have been left unaddressed for how essential workers will access the care they need, including high and inconsistent fees and a lack of spaces and hours. Some essential workers now have to pay higher fees than before the COVID-19 crisis. Read AFL secretary treasurer Siobhan Vipond's editorial.
The UCP government needs to step up and provide quality and accessible child care for essential workers now, and coming out of this pandemic quality child care needs to be expanded so that it is accessible to all Alberta families, ensuring that all working Albertans can fully participate in our economy. Email your MLA.
As workplace infections spread in Alberta, AFL calls on government to reassess its approach to keeping workers and the public safe
In light of news that workers have tested positive for COVID-19 at an oil sands worksite near Fort McMurray and at a meat-packing plant near Calgary, last week, Gil McGowan, the president of the Alberta Federation of Labour, said the time has come for the provincial government to re-evaluate its list of “essential workplaces” and consider beefing-up inspection and enforcement on worksites that continue to operate during the provincial pandemic lockdown.
Alberta needs inclusive health care for everyone, especially during a pandemic
The UCP government recently announced that beginning on April 1, 2020, Alberta Health will no longer pay physicians to treat anyone that does not have a provincial health card number.
Provinces such as Quebec and Ontario have already acted to protect all residents in their province by removing barriers and ensuring free health care coverage of everyone regardless of status, including for COVID-19 assessments and care.
“The UCP needs to take public health during this pandemic seriously. If other provinces can act, so can Alberta. They need to immediately reverse their attacks on physicians, and ensure barrier free access to health care for everyone in Alberta," said Gil McGowan.
Decisions in a Crisis Determine the Fate of Public Education
How governments react during a crisis has long-lasting consequences for public services and especially public education.
Some governments prioritize the best interest of their citizens, and shore up public services to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, while others use a crisis as a way to advance destabilizing and unpopular policies.
Alberta unions applaud federal support for oil and gas workers
"The money for orphan wells and methane reduction, announced by the federal government Friday, will help the environment and create jobs at a time when they’re desperately needed,” said Gil McGowan. McGowan says he’s also very happy with the work the federal government did to get input from a wide variety of stakeholders.
Action
Tell Kenney to STOP firing workers and start helping to save Albertans’ lives
Use our email tool to tell Kenney to STOP firing workers and start helping to save Albertans’ lives. If you haven't yet, sign up for our #KenneysCuts campaign to join the fight.
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