The union representing 16,000 hospital workers in Alberta has resumed negotiations with the province’s health-care delivery agency ahead of an impending strike deadline for its members this weekend.
Despite issuing notice to Alberta Health Services (AHS) on Wednesday, workers represented by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) are still scheduled to go on strike this weekend.
In a news release on Thursday, AUPE emphasized that while they aim for a mutually acceptable agreement at the bargaining table, they will not settle for an offer that does not meet their requirements.
If the new proposal from the employer falls short, the union stated they will proceed with the planned strike.
The strike notice was served by the union at 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday after unsuccessful mediation attempts and no mediator recommendations were received.
Expressing the urgency of the situation, AUPE President Sandra Azocar mentioned that all available avenues were explored before reaching the decision to strike.
After nearly 20 months of negotiations, Azocar criticized the employer for not meeting the essential needs of the workers.
Elective surgeries are expected to be canceled starting at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday as workers picket, although the exact number of surgeries affected remains unconfirmed by AUPE.
AHS spokesperson, Kristi Bland, stated that no operational changes or postponements have been made in anticipation of the strike and patients would be directly notified in case of any impacts.
AHS assured the implementation of contingency plans at all affected sites to maintain essential services during the strike.
Following the announcement that 98% of the union’s represented staff had voted in favor of a strike earlier this month, AUPE officially served notice of their intent to strike on Saturday morning.
Alberta’s Finance Minister, Nate Horner, expressed disappointment over the strike notice and reiterated the government’s hope for a negotiated settlement between AUPE and AHS.
The province defended its offer to AUPE, describing it as fair and competitive compared to other provinces in Canada.
In preparation for the strike, AHS confirmed they have contingency plans in place wherein 80% of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and health-care aides would continue working to support essential services.
Only 20% of LPNs and health-care aides would be legally permitted to withdraw services from non-essential functions during the strike, according to Horner.
AUPE highlighted discrepancies in negotiated wages for LPNs and health-care aides compared to other healthcare professionals, stressing the need to bridge the existing wage gap.
Jennifer Power from AUPE’s northern zone nursing care emphasized the financial struggles of colleagues and the importance of fair compensation for equal work.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, AUPE remains resolute in their pursuit of a fair agreement that addresses the concerns of their members.