The union, which represents approximately 16,000 nurses and health care aides in Alberta, pulled a big move today. Most recently, 98 percent of its members voted to authorize a strike should it become necessary. This decision occurs while TSU members are still engaged in negotiations with Alberta Health Services (AHS) over compensation and working conditions. The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) has invited AHS back to the bargaining table, seeking resolution before any strike action is taken this fall.
The context for this strike vote is incredibly important. Just recently, the Alberta government invoked the notwithstanding clause, compelling teachers to return to work after three weeks of job action. This unexpected and controversial move has sent shockwaves and raised alarm bells among political and environmental leaders. Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said a strike would be “devastating” for Albertans. He lamented that the current pressures from labor strife could threaten to further strain the province’s healthcare system.
Negotiations and Demands
This comes amidst a major push by the AUPE for large salary increases for licensed practical nurses according to the AUPE. They are demanding increases of 40 to 55 percent based on the existing salary grid. Calgary Herald Finance Minister Nate Horner didn’t mince words when it came to the union’s stance. Their first goal is for LPN salaries to be almost the same as registered nurses’ salaries. In particular, the AUPE argues that LPNs should be paid 84 per cent of registered nurses’ salaries.
AHS has offered 12 percent in raises over four years. In addition to asking for concessions, they are floating the idea of rollbacks as part of these negotiations. The growing scope of practice for LPNs has further complicated these negotiations. The union is currently advocating for pay that more accurately reflects their widened scope of work.
Negotiations are scheduled to continue on Thursday, giving each side another chance to set aside remaining discord and focus on the most important issues here. As the strike vote approaches, frustration is fueling anxiety over Alberta’s healthcare future.
Political Implications
The political ramifications of this strike vote are huge, and cannot be overstated. Nenshi questioned whether the government is attempting to engineer another strike situation, suggesting that past actions have emboldened them to use the notwithstanding clause again. He continued, “Albertans need to be wondering whether you need to go on another strike in order to use the notwithstanding clause a second time.”
The notwithstanding clause has raised discussion amongst commentators and workers about the state of workers’ rights in Canada and the role of government in labor disputes. Now tensions are growing between health care workers and the provincial government. After these recent announcements, many Albertans are understandably worried about the implications of these changes for their ability to access crucial health services.
