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Alberta Government Workers Authorize Strike with Overwhelming Support

AUPE members vote 90% in favor of strike action after over a year of stalled negotiations, while the Alberta government weighs its lockout option.

A file photo of the AUPE logo.
Alberta Union of Provincial Employees president Guy Smith speaks during a rally in front of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021. The union representing thousands of Alberta government workers has voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Overview

  • The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) announced a 90% vote in favor of strike action, granting a four-month strike mandate.
  • The union, representing 23,000 workers in roles like law enforcement, social work, and wildfire management, seeks wage increases, better conditions, and job security.
  • Negotiations between AUPE and the Alberta government have been deadlocked for over a year, with no agreement on the union's key demands.
  • AUPE President Guy Smith emphasized the union's preference to negotiate a deal, stating no strike date has been set yet.
  • Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner confirmed the government has a lockout permit but has not decided whether to use it, while both parties prepare for potential disruptions to essential services.