Union representing Alberta provincial employees begins historic strike vote. Courtesy/AUPE

By Jayk Sterkenburg

PROVINCE

Union representing Alberta provincial employees begins historic strike vote

May 10, 2025 | 9:43 AM

Thousands of Alberta government workers started voting Thursday on whether or not to strike.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees said in a statement its employees have not seen a significant wage increase in decades and are being impacted by rising costs of living.

AUPE said the province offered 11.5 per cent over four years while the union is asking for 24 per cent over four years.

Eight AUPE locals will vote from Thursday to Monday.

On April 16, the union told members negotiations had stalled and a strike vote would be held.

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AUPE said the province applied on April 30 to lock out its members.

After seeing the United Nurses of Alberta settle on a new deal and secure a 20 per cent wage increase, AUPE said its members deserve nothing less.

AUPE represents 23,500 provincial employees in sectors across government, law enforcement, social services and the trades.

AUPE said in a statement that the message was clear when registered nurses stood firm and achieved significantly better terms.

“Now, teachers are taking a stand for a fair settlement in an era of rising inflation,” it said in reference to the Alberta Teacher’s Association vote results Tuesday.

“Just as registered nurses secured the wages they deserved, all government workers in the province deserve equitable treatment,” it added.

“Your negotiating team strongly urges you to vote yes to give us a strong strike mandate.”

AUPE said this will empower it to demand that members are given the “same respect that has been given to registered nurses”.

With a strong strike mandate, AUPE said it hopes to apply enough pressure on the government to return to the bargaining table and avert a strike.

It said historically, strike mandates lead to robust agreements without the need to withdraw labour.

“In contrast, low strike mandates lead to weak and inferior settlements,” AUPE said.

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