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In a powerful display of solidarity, hundreds of nurses gathered across various cities in Alberta on Saturday, participating in the ‘Day of Action’ to voice their frustrations over deteriorating working conditions in hospitals. The protests come at a critical time as contract negotiations between the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) continue, with over 30,000 nurses currently without a contract since April.
Staffing shortages and burnout
Attendees expressed deep concerns about the increasing burnout among healthcare staff, attributing it to dwindling resources and an overwhelming patient load. Marie-Therese Mageau, president of Local 301, emphasized the urgent need for a fair contract to attract more nurses to the province.
“We’re really concerned about the lack of nurses,” Mageau stated, highlighting the impact of population growth on healthcare services. “Our emergencies are full and overflowing. Our bed spaces are not enough to deal with those who need to remain in the hospital for care.”
Widespread protests across Alberta
The rallies were not limited to Edmonton; cities like Calgary, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat also saw significant participation. In Calgary, nurses raised alarms about the restructuring of AHS and the ongoing staffing crisis. Karen Kuprys, UNA’s second vice-president, pointed out that nurses are being asked to do more with fewer resources, leading to temporary closures of facilities.
“Nurses are facing a severe staffing shortage. A staffing crisis, actually,” she noted, stressing the urgency of the situation.
A historical context for the protests
The “Day of Action” rallies coincided with the anniversary of a historic strike that began on January 25, 1988, when UNA nurses walked off the job for 19 days.
Heather Smith, UNA president, reflected on the similarities between the conditions faced by nurses today and those experienced during the illegal strike. “It was an indication of just how passionate and angry nurses were,” Smith remarked. The Alberta government has refrained from
