The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) has expressed frustration over stalled negotiations with Alberta Health Services (AHS) regarding wages for healthcare workers. According to the union, AHS has shown a lack of respect towards its employees during the negotiation process.
AUPE President Guy Smith stated that AHS has not been willing to offer a fair wage increase for healthcare workers, despite the essential role they have played during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also mentioned that AHS has not been transparent about their financial situation, making it difficult for the union to negotiate effectively.
Smith further explained that AHS has proposed a wage freeze for the first two years of the collective agreement, followed by a 1% increase in the third year. This offer is not acceptable to the union, as it does not reflect the hard work and dedication of healthcare workers, who have been on the frontlines of the pandemic for over a year.
The union has also raised concerns about the wage disparity between AHS employees and those working in other provinces. According to Smith, AHS workers are paid significantly less than their counterparts in British Columbia and Ontario, despite having similar job responsibilities.
In response, AHS has stated that they are facing financial challenges due to the pandemic and are unable to offer a higher wage increase. However, the union argues that AHS has received significant funding from the provincial government to address these challenges and should prioritize fair compensation for its employees.
The AUPE has called on AHS to show respect towards its employees and to negotiate in good faith. They have also urged the provincial government to intervene and ensure that healthcare workers are fairly compensated for their essential work.
The negotiations between AUPE and AHS are ongoing, and both parties have agreed to continue discussions in the hopes of reaching a fair agreement. In the meantime, healthcare workers continue to provide crucial services to Albertans, and the union remains committed to advocating for their rights and fair compensation.
