LPN group fighting for job reclassification

A group of Licensed Practical Nurses in our province including right here in southern Alberta are seeking reclassification for their work titles. They want to be known as Direct Nursing Care workers instead of Auxiliary Nursing Care staff. BCN’s Micah Quinn chatted with members of LPNs for Change, who say they were surprised by recent comments from the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees saying the application is bound to fail.

The group LPNs for Change submitted an application to the Alberta Labour Relations Board requesting to transfer LPNs from the Auxiliary Nursing Care bargaining unit to the Direct Nursing Care unit.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees and the United Steelworkers Union put in a request for the group to submit a response to the dismissal by Monday. Staff from the organization said they have garnered additional support from LPNs within Alberta who have rallied to their cause. 

Staff from LPNs for Change say reclassification is more about respect and acknowledging the hard work that LPNs put in, rather than people thinking they are just trying to receive a pay bump. Members of the group highlighted the main differences between Auxiliary Nursing Care and Direct Nursing Care. 

Bridge City News reached out to AUPE for comment on the story, but we have yet to hear back.