(rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson)

By Ian Gustafson

Search for a new contract

AUPE members rally outside Optima Living Aspen Ridge

Apr 8, 2025 | 4:46 PM

A group of approximately 30-40 Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) members held a rally in Red Deer Tuesday afternoon in hopes of reaching a deal on a new contract with their employer.

For a little over a year the AUPE and Optima Living Aspen Ridge have failed to reach a tentative agreement since the last one expired in March 2024.

Among the demands of members are fair raises, protection against rising inflation, and adequate sick leave.

The rally was held in front of Optima Living Aspen Ridge on 22nd Street, with AUPE central zone vice-president Darren Graham saying negotiations have not gone well.

“Things are breaking down right now, that’s why we’re holding this rally,” he said. “We’d rather negotiate a collective agreement than have to follow through with a central services agreement, which would potentially lead these members to withdrawing their labour. We want to make sure we’re providing services for the residents that live here.”

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Graham explained their employer has offered some raises to some of the nursing care staff but none for the support staff.

The AUPE represents about 100 employees at Optima Living Aspen Ridge, which includes everyone from laundry workers and cooks to nurses.

He added the residents have had to pay more each year to live there but none of those increases have trickled down to the staff. Some of the members make as little as $16 per hour, which has caused plenty of turnover in positions throughout the facility.

“We’re trying to lift members up. We want to make sure folks can come to work, work their full day, and be able to take home a living wage at the end of it,” Graham said, adding a livable wage in Red Deer is $18.90 per hour.

“Right now, the employer is trying to drive a wedge between our healthcare aides, our LPN’s, and the rest of the staff. Hats off to the members, they’re standing strong and together.”

Throughout all of this, Graham says the residents of Optima Living Aspen Ridge remain a priority for the workers as many missed out on the rally to continue their 24/7 care of the residents, because they do truly care.

According to Graham, the facility is also looking to cut back on paid time off for sickness. Graham says they have concerns over that because employees will come to work sick to avoid a smaller paycheck. It could also cause burnout to members who are already working long hours with turnover throughout the workplace.

He says it’s also not safe for the residents who could potentially get sick as a result.

“It’s a short term solution but it’s not a longterm gain by any means,” he added.

Some of the residents of Optima Living Aspen Ridge also showed their support for the workers at the rally. A 98-year-old resident, who didn’t want to be interviewed, said the workers have plenty of good points.

Meanwhile, in an emailed statement from Optima Living Aspen Ridge, they said they respect the union’s right to express its views, however, AUPE’s recent public messaging does not reflect the care centre’s understanding of the current status of negotiations.

“Optima Living remains committed to engaging in respectful and constructive dialogue with AUPE. We have been actively working with union representatives through the collective bargaining process, and we continue to do so in good faith,” as written in the statement.

“Our focus remains on achieving a fair and sustainable agreement that reflects the needs of both our employees and the seniors we serve.”

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