AHS GSS: We are still far apart on wages, working conditions

Your negotiating team met the employer on Nov. 12 to continue bargaining. 

We are still far apart on key issues, including wages and working conditions. Your team remains committed to winning the improved wages we deserve and that keep up with skyrocketing cost of living. We know we deserve safe working conditions and workplace protections. 

The cost of living and the power of our dollar

We know the cost of living has increased astronomically over the past decade. The costs of everything from rent to groceries to gas grows higher and higher every day. At the same time, the real value of our wages decreases as inflation increases every year. A single dollar buys less today than it did ten years ago, less than it bought last year, and it will buy even less next year. 

Our wages have not kept up with these ever-increasing costs, and we’ve fallen further and further behind. It is not possible to live off our current wages without second, or even third jobs. We shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table or keeping the lights on. 

None of this is new information to our employer. They are fully aware of our working and living conditions and yet they continue to make proposals that make our lives harder, not better. They offer unacceptable wages and every day they throw up more hurdles.

The employer’s review of Health Management and Unit clerks and associated proposal is yet another example. They propose reclassifying and “red circling” employees for 24 months, meaning they are denied wage increases during that time, and then dropping them to the lower wage rate of the new classification. Workers are held back and fall even further behind. Your negotiating team has been clear – we refuse to accept rollbacks.

The next mediation dates are scheduled for Nov. 21, 24 and 25, 2025.

Stay engaged

Your negotiating team, chapter, and local will continue to keep you informed. We will continue to host events for you to participate and engage with your fellow members. Keep an eye on your email inbox and worksite union boards for event invites and information. 

Sign up for MyAUPE

A MyAUPE is also how you will collect strike pay, receive essential information, and vote on a future contract. Create an account today at aupe.org/myaupe.

Please reach out to a member of your negotiating team if you have any questions or concerns. 

AHS General Support Services Negotiating Team

Local 054  

Charity Hill charity.johanson@gmail.com

Christine Madigan (A)  christinecmadigan@gmail.com

Local 056  

Juanita Cozicar jcozicar@telus.net

Kristina Javorsky (A)  kjavorsky123@gmail.com

Local 057  

Wendy Kicia  wendykicia@hotmail.com

Janice Drader (A)  draderjanice@gmail.com

Local 058  

Dave Ibach  d1322j@gmail.com

Marlin Meyer  (A) marlindmeyer@hotmail.com

Local 095  

Anna Silva  a.silva@shaw.ca

James Sullivan (A)  sullivanlocal95@gmail.com

Lamont Health Care Centre  

Carol Palichuk  carolpalichuk@hotmail.com

Sherri-Lee Berezanski (A)
makbrayland@hotmail.com

AUPE Resource Staff

Chris Dickson, Lead Negotiator  c.dickson@aupe.org

Kate Robinson, Negotiator  k.robinson@aupe.org