26 October, 2021
For immediate release
Edmonton, AB – The IAM has scored a first in Alberta by organising 85 health care aides and LPNs working at Sheperd’s Care (Eden House) in Edmonton. The new members join the IAM Health Care group with Local 1722 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Principal organiser Matt Barnable, who has since taken on new responsibilities, said of the campaign, “It was a pleasure working with these health care heroes during this drive. They knew the value of a union and worked very hard to join the IAM. Their resilience in unionizing was inspiring and their warmth as people made the drive all the more rewarding. This is a huge win for the IAM, as we continue to advocate for healthcare workers on the front lines.”
Kyle Franzen, Business Representative and Organiser, who helped conclude the campaign, added, “This was a tight-knit group. They stood strong and knew what they wanted. “These workers have been through a lot during the pandemic and are looking for dignity and fairness on the job as well as health and safety protections.”
Shepherd’s Care has eight locations in and around Edmonton. The Eden House “campus” was the last one to be unionised.
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For more information:
Kyle Franzen
kfranzen@iamdl14.org
