Alberta Nursing Staff Serve Strike Notice After Failed Mediation

Nursing care staff represented by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) have officially served strike notice following unsuccessful mediation efforts. The notice, issued on the morning of March 15, 2023, indicates that the union did not receive satisfactory recommendations from the mediator after negotiations with Alberta Health Services and other related organizations broke down in April 2023.

The update from AUPE, posted on its website at 7:55 a.m., emphasized that the employer’s wage offer is insufficient. “The employer’s offer is simply not good enough, especially when it comes to our wages,” the union stated. This action follows a significant vote earlier in the month, where 98 percent of the union’s staff members expressed support for potential strike action.

AUPE represents approximately 16,000 members, primarily licensed practical nurses and health care aides. The union indicated that discussions with Alberta Health Services had been ongoing but deteriorated to the point of requiring mediation. The breakdown of negotiations is a critical factor leading to the current strike notice.

In light of the situation, the province has urged AUPE to return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair settlement. A statement released on March 13, 2023, by government officials emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement that benefits both the employees and the healthcare system at large.

While tensions rise, AUPE leaders have expressed their determination to advocate for better working conditions and wages for their members. The union remains hopeful that a resolution can be achieved before any strike action takes place.

A news conference is scheduled for later today where union representatives are expected to provide further details on the situation and next steps. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact healthcare services in Alberta, given the critical role that nursing staff play in patient care.

The ongoing situation highlights the challenges faced by healthcare workers in negotiating fair compensation and working conditions, which have become increasingly critical amid the ongoing demands of the health sector.