Workers Rally for Fair Wages at St. Therese Villa in Lethbridge

UPDATE: Dozens of employees at St. Therese Villa in Lethbridge are demanding immediate changes as they rally for better wages and staffing conditions. The event, held on September 19, 2025, drew significant turnout, showcasing the workers’ urgent need for support in their ongoing contract negotiations with Covenant Health.

The rally, organized by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), highlighted critical issues regarding staffing shortages and inadequate pay. Union Vice President Curtis Jackson expressed his admiration for the passionate response from workers. “This is our first rally at St. Therese, and they came out in mass,” Jackson stated, noting that the turnout was unprecedented compared to other facilities.

Workers at St. Therese Villa have been advocating for fair wages since contract discussions began in spring 2024. The most recent proposal from Covenant Health included a 7.5 percent pay increase for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) over four years, which Jackson called “woefully” inadequate, especially when compared to the 20 percent raise recently secured by Registered Nurses (RNs) represented by the United Nurses of Alberta.

Jackson emphasized the discrepancy in pay and responsibilities, stating, “LPNs do about 84 percent of the work that RNs perform. If we’re looking at that deal, we’re saying that if we’re doing 84 percent of the work, we should make at least 84 percent of the wage that an RN makes.”

Despite the rally’s intensity, Jackson clarified that the St. Therese staff are not on strike, nor have they voted on strike authorization. The purpose of the rally is to draw attention to their fight for better working conditions and fair compensation.

The situation is critical as workers report being frequently short-staffed and overextended, leading to burnout and compromised care for residents. “Our workers here at St. Therese are very focused on client-centered care, so when they’re working short and their working conditions aren’t up to par, they end up just doing more and burning themselves out,” Jackson explained.

As the rally concludes, all eyes are on Covenant Health for a response. LNN has reached out for official comments but has yet to receive a reply.

What’s Next: The rally marks a significant moment for St. Therese Villa workers as they continue to push for their rights. As negotiations unfold, the spotlight remains on Covenant Health to address the pressing needs of their staff.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the workers’ fight for fair treatment gains momentum.