NEWS RELEASE
NAPE Launches ‘Home Care Is Healthcare’ Campaign
For Immediate Release:
Monday, March 11, 2024
ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) officially launched the ‘Home Care Is Healthcare’ public relations advertising campaign today. The ads will run province-wide on a wide array of platforms.
The ads can be viewed at the following link – CLICK HERE
NAPE represents over 3500 home workers across the province.
“Home care has become an essential part of our province’s healthcare system,” said NAPE President Jerry Earle. “Home care gives those who need support the ability to stay in their own homes and in their own communities. It allows people to get better, grow, and be independent, which is good for their physical and mental health. Home care gives loved ones peace of mind. And it reduces stress and strain on our healthcare system – while saving our province money.”
“Home care has been viewed as separate from our healthcare system, but the Health Accord and current practice paints a different story – home care is healthcare,” said Earle. “It’s past due that we see home care as a critical piece of the healthcare continuum of care.”
“Despite the crucial role that home care workers play in our province, in our communities, in people’s lives, and in our healthcare system, these workers – over 95% of whom are women – are falling behind in terms of pay; plus they have no health and dental plans or pensions,” said Earle. “The province has been relying on the labour of these workers to prop up and support our healthcare system, yet these workers are often treated as an afterthought.”
NAPE is currently at the bargaining table with Home Care Agencies across the province.
“Achieving the best deal possible – one that recognizes the critical healthcare role that these members play – is a priority for our union in this round of bargaining,” said Earle. “Our bargaining teams will settle for nothing less than what these workers deserve – a contract that reflects the work that they do; one that treats them with dignity and respect.
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