What is a wildcat strike you may be wondering? Well, it is an illegal strike which can result in the associated union facing big fines; see an example of this happening in Alberta in 2013 here (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/judge-rules-alberta-union-in-contempt-over-wildcat-strike-100000-fine-to-escalate-daily/article11627170/ ). Why do I say that as I share two separate articles regarding today’s strike action by AUPE? Well, when unions can face serious fines for this illegal action, and they still support the workers decision to strike, you should take notice and understand the seriousness of the action of our government.
Our government is looking to cut 11,000 positions from AHS, around 9,700 of which are being “outsourced” to private companies (for example, your friendly neighbourhood lab tech 👩🏽🔬, laundry and environmental services, as well as food services (https://www.globalnews.ca/news/7394273/alberta-health-services-review-job-cuts/amp/). This move is anticipated to save the $600 million. I am curious how these for-profit entities will offer the services at a profit, but at a decreased cost to AHS, without a little “friendly” restructuring. As someone who has already faced restructuring in my career, I can’t help but cringe at the potential implications of this decision.
However, don’t assume because I am against worker lay-offs that I do not understand the current economic situation, or the fact that there is a need to be more lean. Times are tough; and yet, I can’t help but wonder why the front line (and our incredibly vital support staff) should be responsible for the entirety of a $600 million in savings.
When I entered healthcare, it was for that very reason implied in the title, because I care. I expected to be fairly compensated for my work, after all I am educated, skilled, and essential. I invested my time and finances into my chosen profession knowing I would not become wealthy on this wage alone, but also knowing I could have financial stability if I was wise with my earnings. I have no complaints about our wage, I believe we are fairly compensated for our work. I also understand that healthcare is an expenditure, and so we cannot demand exorbitant wages, and we don’t. I also recognize that not only is healthcare an expenditure, it is a tremendously expensive one. That said, it isn’t a huge surprise that the scissors would point in our direction when cuts to budgets are needed.
I’m not opposed to cuts, but I’m curious how those in power can sleep soundly knowing that working class citizens will be without a job (or even facing great uncertainty) because those in the positions of power would rather cut the LEAN than the fat.
Fat? What fat you may (or may not) be wondering? Well, the incredibly expensive AHS governing body for starters. I am by no means suggesting that we do not need people in positions of power, or that they do not deserve to be well-compensated for the significant responsibility they carry. They worked hard, likely advanced their education, invested their lives in the work they do. However, I would love to learn why AHS’s president and CEO needs a wage of over $575,000, plus nearly $80,000 in non-taxable benefits. This is just my opinion, but I do not believe that the head of AHS should not make more than the Prime Minister of our country (look it up, he makes less than $375,000)
As well, AHS has more than 900 managers on the “Sunshine List” (public employees making $100,00 or more have their wages disclosed to the public, see here for government employees: https://www.alberta.ca/salary-disclosure.aspx and here for AHS: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/about/Page11908.aspx ). Again, I’m not opposed to those who have worked hard and moved up in role and responsibility level making a high wage. However, there are 920 managers in AHS alone making an average of $193,494 (see source news article here: https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/more-than-900-ahs-management-positions-are-on-the-sunshine-list-government-watchdog-1.5148514 ).
The above article states that the average compensation of all 920 positions on the list is $193,404. That’s nearly $178 million in managers/executives alone (if we multiple the average wage by the total number of 920). If we were to reduce that by 5% that would be a savings of over $8.75 million. The average wage of those managers if we reduced their wages by 5% would be a measly $183,000 (approximately).
If you want to make $600,000 annually, perhaps you should get out of the public sphere and into the corporate one. I would propose a more aggressive wage restructuring than the 5% I stated above, but maybe it’s just me.
However, while I understand that a reduction in these wages would clearly not solve the problem alone, I would truly love to see the numbers that show the proposed scenario saving $600 million. To be clear: directly lay off 1,300 (or so) public sector workers, sell out another 9,700 to private providers, and then PAY the private for-profit entities for the provision of services…and save $600 million annually?
Unless the 100 managerial positions slated to be part of the layoffs are from the top of the AHS pyramid, I call bull.
Kyla
Karen Zelman says
Great read, thank you for posting!
Kyla says
Thank you for the feedback <3
Marilyn Emter says
I agree with you completely, laying off the lowest paid workers will not save 600 million, sure would like to see the math. I always felt AHS was top heavy. There are managers, on top of managers so it’s really difficult to get answers. If there is that many on the sunshine club, maybe the overtime needs to be looked at and why, hr not replacing positions in a timely manner is definitely one problem. Another problem AHS fires a manager and then gives him $100,000.00 ? Good question and it took a year to get rid of him. That would have kept two people employed!
Kyla says
Yes, there are so many unanswered questions aren’t there? As well, knowing the wages doesn’t help unless there is some power that comes with the knowledge. What can be done? My part for the moment was writing, but how can we effect change? Overtime shifts (even among RN’s in some sites I’m sorry to say) is a problem.
Thanks for your response <3
Brenda says
Awesome job thank you great read
Kyla says
Thank you, and thanks for taking the time to read it 💕