Honk for Healthcare raises awareness about negotiation challenges

Drivers in downtown Bonnyville around lunchtime were sure to hear honking and see local members of union groups representing health care raise awareness of the current negotiations going on with the province.

Linne Bowler, from the United Nurse of Alberta Local 114 in the area, and Ashley Rogina-Cole, representing United Nurses of Alberta Local 86, spoke to Lakeland Connect about the purpose of going out. 

Many held signs that said, “Honk for Public Health Care” or “Nursing in Critical Condition.”

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), which represents licensed practical nurses and healthcare aides in the Bonnyville hospital were also on hand, as well as CUPE, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, representing healthcare aides out of extended care, and the Alberta Federation of Labour. 

They said their mission is for Alberta to deliver the best healthcare it can, while also providing the best place to work.

“Our healthcare needs more than just a bandaid. We represent everyone in healthcare. We want the best for our patients, and that’s the biggest thing we’re fighting for,” Bowler said. 

“We are falling behind and we need changes. We need respect from our government and a solid, respectful contract. We’re all out of contracts right now and negotiating, and we want that to be a solid negotiation to improve all healthcare for clients and patients in Alberta.” 

One aspect that’s become more prevalent in recent months in the Lakeland is the closure of emergency departments overnight, a rising trend seen in Cold Lake, Elk Point, Smoky Lake, and Lac La Biche.

Rogina-Cole said Bonnyville has had to work hard to avoid similar situations.

“Something we see across the province is emergency room closures, which have become quite normal. Luckily, here in Bonnyville, we’ve been able to navigate that with high-cost agency nurses,” she said. 

“Another service we often have to defer to the city is labor and delivery. It’s not uncommon for pregnant patients to travel two and a half hours to Edmonton for routine things like epidurals or inductions. This is a huge gap in our healthcare, and we want to offer quality care here in our community.”

Watch: Honk for Healthcare downtown