The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), representing 16,000 hospital workers in Alberta, has resumed negotiations with the province’s health-care delivery agency before an impending strike deadline this weekend. Despite issuing a strike notice to Alberta Health Services (AHS) on Wednesday, the union expressed a willingness to reach a satisfactory agreement at the bargaining table but emphasized that an unacceptable offer would lead to the planned strike.
Following unsuccessful mediation and a lack of recommendations from the mediator, AUPE served the strike notice on Wednesday morning. AUPE President Sandra Azocar highlighted the extensive efforts made before resorting to strike action after nearly 20 months of bargaining, citing the employer’s failure to meet essential requirements.
As preparations for the strike continue, elective surgeries may face cancellations starting at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday, although the exact number of affected surgeries remains unconfirmed. Alberta Health Services assured that operations have not been altered yet and reiterated their commitment to implementing contingency plans to mitigate any disruptions.
The strike notice follows a significant mandate from AUPE members, with 98% voting in favor of strike action earlier this month. Alberta’s Finance Minister Nate Horner expressed disappointment over the strike notice, emphasizing the government’s hope for a negotiated settlement given the competitive offer made to the union.
Key issues driving the labor dispute include wage differentials for LPNs and health-care aides, with a 12% vacancy rate exacerbating recruitment and retention challenges in the sector. AUPE’s lead negotiator, Kate Robinson, highlighted the wage gap discrepancy and emphasized the need to address disparities to enhance workforce stability.
Jennifer Power, representing AUPE’s northern zone nursing care, underscored the financial hardships faced by colleagues due to wage differentials, emphasizing the need for equitable compensation. The union remains resolute in advocating for fair treatment and just compensation, with Azocar expressing optimism for a mutually beneficial resolution while affirming their commitment to upholding members’ rights and demands.