Bargaining Update - 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 week and inferior settlements. 

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