[olympiaworkers] Hospital workers across Edmonton walk out on wildcat strike

Feb 16 2012 libcom.org

Hundreds of support workers at the Royal Alexandra and University of
Alberta hospitals in Canada walked out this morning in a dispute over pay
and conditions.

So far dozens of surgeries have been cancelled as diagnostic imaging
clerks, cleaners and technicians downed tools at at least 12 different
sites at 7 AM.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees stated that they believed
workers at Mayerthorpe, Radway, Peace River and Claresholm were also
either taking or considering taking similar action.

One worker told the Edmonton Journal:
<blockquote> "They are constantly adding more duties to our work, without
an increase in pay… We're fed up with our conditions, our pay. Cost of
living is going up, but my pay is not." </blockquote>

Workers are still providing life and limb cover for emergencies, and
blamed their employer for provoking staff in negotiations around working
conditions.

The employer has applied for a Labour Relations Board order to force
strikers back to work. The Board is due to meet later today.

Please post updates or reports if you have more information, or if you are
taking part in the action.