GSBC update #22: Fighting back makes a difference

On May 6, 23,000 Alberta teachers – 62% of the members who voted – decisively rejected a government offer of an average 15% wage increase over four years.

This bold stance by members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) underscores their unity and resolve.

Last fall, Registered Nurses belonging to the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) turned down a government offer of a 12% increase over four years. Their resolve led to a renegotiated settlement averaging a 20.5% wage increase.

In contrast, members of AUPE employed directly by the Government of Alberta (GOA), were offered only 11.5% over the same period, an offer your negotiating committee rightly refused.

We are now moving forward with a strike vote, beginning on Thursday (May 8).

The message is clear. When registered nurses stood firm, they achieved significantly better terms.

Now, teachers are taking a stand for a fair settlement in an era of rising inflation. Just as registered nurses secured the wages they deserved, all government workers in the province deserve equitable treatment.

Your negotiating team strongly urges you to vote yes to give us a strong strike mandate. This will empower us to demand that AUPE members are given the same respect that has been given to registered nurses.

With a strong strike mandate, we hope to apply enough pressure on the government to return to the bargaining table and avert a strike.

Historically, strike mandates lead to robust agreements without the need to withdraw labour. In contrast low strike mandates lead to weak and inferior settlements. 

Create or update your MyAUPE accounts now!

It’s important that you have a MyAUPE account – and that your account has up-to-date contact information.
 
Voting begins at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, and ends at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 12.

Members are encouraged to vote online. To vote online, please log in to your MyAUPE account during the voting period.

You will need to create a MyAUPE account if you do not have one already. Your MyAUPE account is also your ticket to receive strike pay quickly. All members are strongly encouraged to create an account and use it to participate in the strike vote.

Members can also vote at Headquarters in Edmonton or any one of AUPE’s regional offices from 8:30 am to 4:30pm from May 8 – 12 (including on the weekend).

If you have questions, please reach out to your representative on the negotiating team.

AUPE NEGOTIATING TEAM - GOA GOVERNMENT SERVICES BARGAINING COMMITTEE (GSBC)

Local 001  
Kathleen Buss, GSBC Representative 
quilterbuss@gmail.com

Local 002 
Lorraine Ellis, GSBC Representative  
ellisl1950@shaw.ca  

Local 003 
Dax Lydiard, GSBC Representative 
003bargaining@gmail.com

Local 004     
Bowman Pringle, GSBC Representative  
bowman.pringle@gmail.com    

Local 005 
Jeffrey Bleach, GSBC Representative |
bargaininglocal005@aupe.ca

Local 006 
Rob Poggemiller, GSBC Representative 
poggrobe@hotmail.com

Local 009 
Russell Clark, GSBC Representative 
russell.clark@shaw.ca

Local 012
Richard Hansen, GSBC Representative 
local012Bargaining@outlook.com

AUPE STAFF NEGOTIATOR

James Mitchell, Negotiations 
j.mitchell@aupe.org