Nursing care workers, represented by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, have overwhelmingly voted in favor of strike action, with 98 percent supporting the move. The vote, which occurred between October 30 and November 3, saw 11,031 union members casting their ballots.
AUPE President Sandra Azocar expressed that the decision to strike was driven by frustrations over stagnant wages and unsafe working conditions impacting both workers and patients within Alberta’s public health care system. Negotiations between AUPE and their employer, Alberta Health Services, along with four organizations succeeding the former provincial health authority, ceased in April. Mediation discussions are scheduled to resume on Thursday.
The approximately 16,000 members, primarily composed of licensed practical nurses and health care aides, could potentially issue a strike notice as early as November 17. Despite preferring to focus on their roles, AUPE members are prepared to take action to secure what they believe they deserve.
The possibility of a strike by AUPE nursing care staff follows a recent three-week strike by teachers represented by the Alberta Teachers’ Association, which was halted by provincial legislation utilizing the notwithstanding clause.
Alberta’s Finance Minister and President of the Treasury Board, Nate Horner, expressed disappointment at the strike vote outcome, noting that the government has proposed a 12 percent wage increase over four years, aligning with numerous other public sector settlements. AUPE’s demands include salary parity with registered nurses for LPNs, resulting in a wage increase of 40 to 55 percent, and reduced annual work hours, totaling over $2 billion.
Kate Robinson, lead negotiator for AUPE, highlighted disparities in LPN compensation compared to RNs nationally, emphasizing the need for wage adjustments to reflect the critical role LPNs play. Additionally, the impending regulation of health care aides in February adds complexity to ongoing negotiations.
Amidst escalating tensions, concerns have been raised regarding the potential use of the notwithstanding clause by the government, although Minister Horner indicated its unlikely necessity due to existing agreements. However, there remains speculation about the clause’s future application given its prior use in resolving disputes.
Jason Foster, a professor specializing in human resources and labor relations, suggested that the government’s past reliance on the notwithstanding clause could influence its future decisions, especially amid widespread labor unrest and economic challenges post-pandemic. Public sector workers in Alberta may harbor resentment following the clause’s deployment against teachers, fueling existing tensions.