Here is a letter from a non-Artspace member that expresses our feelings quite well.
Patronizing and bullying
Edmonton JournalPublished: Friday, May 23
Re: "Dispute rages at housing co-operative," May 21
Under ordinary circumstances, the notion of a "patronizing bully" would be considered an oxymoron. But then the bitter labour dispute that's been playing out between striking health-care aides represented by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees and their employer, Supports for Artspace Independent Living, a userrun, not-for-profit homecare provider for people with disabilities who live in Artspace Co-op, can by no means be considered ordinary circumstances.
AUPE is insinuating that SAIL is being reckless with its hapless clients' money, when that money actually comes from Alberta Health Services. Why is the union picking on SAIL while letting the colossus that is AHS off scot-free?
As a person with disabilities who also requires home-care services, I am utterly appalled at AUPE's consistently patronizing portrayal of people with disabilities as pathetic pawns. AUPE is really going after the people with disabilities who both run and receive home care through SAIL, thus jeopardizing their continued independence.
A patronizing bully is still a bully.
Heidi Janz
Edmonton
No comments:
Post a Comment