“Licensed Practical Nurses perform approximately 84% of the same duties as Registered Nurses, so we believe they should make 84% of an RN’s salary. Health Care Aides should receive raises that bring their wages up at the same rate,” reads a statement from AUPE.
The union states that Alberta Health Services is proposing pay increases of 12 per cent over four years, as well as rolling back wages for Orthopaedic Technicians and Renal Dialysis LPNs.
A bargaining update on the AUPE website from Oct. 21 states, “A strong strike mandate will show our employer that we are serious about our demands. This strike vote is the next stage in our fight for the raises, benefits, and working conditions we deserve.”
Alberta’s Ministry of Treasury Board and Finance said in a statement to Pattison Media that it recognizes that negotiations are taking place between AHS and AUPE.
The statement reads, “Out of respect for the bargaining process, we will not comment on their active negotiations at this time. Alberta’s government trusts the parties will consider all options for finding fair and reasonable solutions in the negotiations.”
In an unrelated event on Oct. 2, the Health Science Association of Alberta had some of its 22,000 members rally in communities across the province, saying it was in “preparation mode” for a potential strike.
READ MORE: Lethbridge healthcare workers in ‘preparation mode’ for potential strike