Sherman stands behind striking hospital support staff
Edmonton – Official Opposition Leader Raj Sherman rallied striking hospital support staff at the Royal Alexandra this morning, and he will continue to support their call for fair treatment.
“As a doctor, I can’t do my job if I don’t have a world-class team right beside me,” Sherman says. “These good people are that world-class team.”
Hospital support staff across northern Alberta are staging a wildcat strike to protest the government’s refusal to raise their wages by three percent – barely enough to keep pace with inflation.
“These unsung heroes of health care are among the lowest-paid workers in the system,” Sherman asks. “They’re only asking for a measly three percent pay raise. Three percent of a little bit is still a little.”
Sherman says that the requests of the striking workers are very reasonable.
“It’s not about money anymore, it’s about respect, dignity and trust. No one ever likes to go on strike, but for the last few years front line health professionals have been driven into a corner by the irresponsible decisions, corruption and warlord-like intimidation of this government.”
Sherman says his pledge to call a public inquiry into health care and guarantee surgery and ER wait times includes investing in the people that will make those promises possible.
“The health care system cannot be fixed until health care professionals, including physicians, custodians, nurses, cooks, clerks and all the rest of the team feel respected by their government. This government betrayed the trust of Albertans long ago and continues down that path. Albertans deserve better, hospital support workers deserve better.”
“To all front line health care workers across this province: Raj Sherman and the Alberta Liberals have your back!” Sherman says.
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