Campaigns
Working Conditions in Long-Term Care Homes
February 2022
For the past several weeks, UPSE has been talking with and listening to our members working in both public and private long-term care facilities on Prince Edward Island. We have been advocating for change in long- term care long before the COVID-19 crisis dealt the most recent blow to conditions in these facilities where our members are looking after our most vulnerable.
Our members in long-term care are understaffed, overworked, underpaid, and at greater risk of contracting COVID-19. Low staffing levels have caused added stress, burnout, and high turnover rates. Further, the shortage has been made worse by staff absences caused by recent outbreaks.
When listening to our members it’s evident that they take great pride in their work, and many consider those they care for are like family. These jobs, which are often undervalued in our healthcare system, are very rewarding to those who dedicate themselves to this profession. It is a noble profession and one that deserves appreciation and respect.
Right now, our members need to be heard, and they need our help to make necessary changes in long-term care. I invite you to listen to them, and to understand what they are facing on a daily basis.
Their voices have been altered to allow for anonymity. We will release a series of short clips over the coming weeks to highlight our members and their current challenges. Let’s stand together to not only improve the working conditions for our members but also improve the quality of life for those they care for.
Karen Jackson,
UPSE President
Featuring UPSE Members for CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAYS
2021
Faces of the Frontlines
May 2020
Featuring UPSE Members for CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAYS
2019
STOP WORKPLACE VIOLENCE:
October 2019
Recently, UPSE conducted a workplace violence survey of Resident Care Workers, Patient Care Workers and Licensed Practical Nurses who work in the health system. The results were alarming but not surprising: 90% of these front-line health care workers have experienced violence in the workplace. This includes physical violence (hitting, biting, pushing, kicking, etc.), verbal abuse (swearing, threats, name calling and yelling) and sexual harassment.
The violence which health care workers experience most often comes from the clients they are providing care for. Many of these clients are experiencing dementia at an earlier age and are physically stronger. Further, there is now less emphasis placed on restraint protocols (including medication) in acute care, long term care and home care environments.
The survey asked workers about how to reduce workplace violence in health facilities. The most frequent responses indicated that more staff is required, appropriate medication should be used, and workers need more training. The results also showed that front-line health care workers do not feel supported by management with 86% reporting that their employer does not do enough to prevent violence in their workplace.
I have met with representatives of government and Health PEI to discuss the results of the survey. Workplace violence is not acceptable and there has to be changes made within the health care system to deal with this serious issue. These changes must happen now before any more of our members are injured.
The survey asked those who had seen or experienced workplace violence whether they thought the incident could have been prevented – 74% believed the incident was preventable. In other words, workplace violence is not simply a given and in many instances it can be prevented through improved workplace health and safety.
My message has always been that the provision of a safe workplace is ultimately the employer’s responsibility. Our members are working in unsafe worksites and are facing violent clients without the resources required to provide a safe working environment, not only for our members, but for the other clientele living in these facilities. Workplace violence is a complex issue; however, the bottom line is that no one should have to go to work on a daily basis expecting to be assaulted. This issue affects front-line health care workers, patients and residents, and their families. Workplace violence is not “part of the job” and it’s time for change!
TV AD – STOP WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AD – FEMALE
TV AD – STOP WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AD – MALE
POSTER – STOP WORKPLACE VIOLENCE POSTER
Home Care – Keep it Public!
May 2018
The PEI Nurses’ Union and the Prince Edward Island Union of Public Sector Employees have collaborated to send a strong message to government – Home Care is a valued Public Service – Keep it Public!
CBC is airing 3 different “Home Care – Keep It Public” television commercials featuring PEI NU and PEI UPSE members delivering Island wide Home Care.