Bargaining Update - GSBC update #23
Trust your union, not your boss
Fellow members, as we navigate these challenging times, it’s crucial to remember the strength and solidarity that define our union.
Your trust in our collective voice empowers us as your negotiating team to advocate for fair wages, improved working conditions and the respect we all deserve.
We have been completely honest and transparent with you, providing only the facts. We cannot say the same about the employer, who often relies on a “smoke-and-mirrors” approach to the information they present.
In their last update, the Government of Alberta (GOA) falsely claimed that their offer to AUPE was the same as the deal accepted by Registered Nurses belonging to the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA).
However, if you look closely at the wording “general increase,” it diverts attention from the fact that the UNA worked extensively on their wage grid, increasing its value and moving everyone, in all classifications, up a step, resulting in wage increases that UNA says total about 20.5% over four years.
In a previous update, the GOA suggested that 70% of AUPE members would receive a market adjustment totalling 24%, yet their own admissions now show these adjustments affect only a small fraction of members, with most receiving minimal increases.
It’s nearly impossible to compare offers fairly when only half the information is presented. AUPE has done the due diligence – our compensation comparisons account for all monetary factors, not just selective percentages.
So, who should you trust?
Those trying to justify paying you less than your worth, or your negotiating representative, who is subject to the same deal and fighting to improve it?
The employer’s last-minute messaging – released just before a strike vote – feels like a desperate tactic.
Let’s be honest. Every percentage point of inflation that isn’t matched by a wage increase is a pay cut. That’s not providing “market value,” it’s falling behind. You don’t attract and retain skilled workers by offering less than what’s needed to keep up.
We encourage you to stay engaged, informed and confident in the process. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our rights are upheld.
Trust in your union, trust in each other – and let’s move forward with the strength and unity that has always defined us.
Send a clear message to your employer that you’re not buying into their smoke-and-mirrors approach.
It’s absurd for an employer to meddle so heavily during a strike vote.
By voting “yes” to strike, you send a strong, unmistakable signal that AUPE workers demand to be treated fairly and with respect.
Show that you’re ready to stand up to these tactics. Exercise your collective strength and determination by voting “yes” for a strong strike mandate.
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).
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Read more about our Bargaining Updates - Bargaining Update #23
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Check out the latest on the AUPE website https://www.aupe.org/