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 the upcoming strike deadline for its members.
Despite serving strike notice to Alberta Health Services (AHS) on Wednesday, AUPE-affiliated workers are preparing to go on strike this weekend.
In a news release on Thursday, AUPE expressed the desire to reach a satisfactory agreement at the bargaining table but emphasized they would not accept an offer that fails to meet their needs.
If the employer’s new offer falls short of expectations, the union is prepared to proceed with the planned strike.
The union officially served the strike notice at 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday, citing unsuccessful mediation and the absence of mediator recommendations.
Describing the situation as critical, AUPE President Sandra Azocar highlighted the exhaustive efforts made before resorting to strike action.
Following nearly 20 months of negotiations, Azocar criticized the employer for not meeting the necessary requirements and deserving standards.
Azocar warned that elective surgeries would begin to be canceled as workers join the picket line starting at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday.
While the exact number of surgeries affected remains unconfirmed by AUPE, an AHS spokesperson stated on Wednesday that there have been no operational changes or postponements ahead of the anticipated strike.
According to Kristi Bland from AHS, any potential impact on patients would be communicated directly should surgeries be canceled.
AHS assured the implementation of contingency plans at affected sites to maintain essential services and address any arising issues during the strike.
Recognizing the staff’s right to partake in legal job actions, AHS emphasized adherence to Essential Service Agreements in their statement.
The strike notice follows an earlier announcement revealing that 98% of AUPE staff had voted in favor of strike action.
Responding to the strike notice, Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner expressed disappointment in the decision and reiterated the government’s hope for a negotiated settlement between AUPE and AHS.
The province defended offering AUPE a competitive deal aligned with other provinces across Canada, emphasizing fairness and reasonableness.
Horner stated that AHS had prepared contingency plans in anticipation of the strike, ensuring that 80% of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and health-care aides would continue to support essential services during the strike, with only 20% allowed to withdraw services from non-essential areas.
Earlier this month, AUPE reported breakdowns in talks with AHS and the organizations replacing the former provincial health authority in April, affecting approximately 16,000 members predominantly composed of LPNs and health-care aides.
Notably, a wage gap of about nine percent persists for union members such as LPNs and health-care aides, with AUPE highlighting the need to bridge the disparities in compensation.
Considering the proposed wage adjustments, AUPE’s lead negotiator, Kate Robinson, noted the existing wage gap and the employer’s proposal’s impact on closing it.
Robinson emphasized the urgent need to address recruitment and retention challenges, particularly the 12% vacancy rate affecting health-care professionals in Alberta.
Unequal Pay for Equal Work
Reflecting on the situation, Jennifer Power from AUPE’s northern zone nursing care underscored the financial hardships faced by nurses, emphasizing the disparity in pay despite performing similar duties.
The union disclosed that 78% of its members are designated as essential workers, ensuring service continuity for Albertans during the strike while the remaining members will participate in picketing activities.
Upon announcing the strike vote results, Finance Minister Nate Horner reiterated the government’s position, offering a 12% wage increase over four years, aligning with previous public sector settlements.
While remaining optimistic about reaching a fair agreement, AUPE’s Azocar affirmed the members’ commitment to stand firm for what they believe is just and necessary.