The Association of Allied Health Professionals says it is frustrated with Premier Andrew Furey’s recent trip to Dubai, just weeks after the union walked away from conciliation efforts with the provincial government.

On Saturday, the premier travelled the United Arab Emirates to participate in a health care recruitment event and explore potential business partnerships and post-secondary education expansion.

“For our Premier to head overseas, promoting our province as a place where healthcare professionals can thrive, is very misleading at best,” the AAHP said in a statement to NTV News. “And to do this at a time when more than 800 allied health professionals are dangerously close to walking away from an unstable and unfair system, further demonstrates government’s lack of awareness and respect.”

The Association of Allied Health Professionals added it is at a critical juncture and will be sharing information around around next steps in the coming days.