Alberta LPNs and healthcare aides edge closer to a strike this weekend.
The union representing Alberta’s licensed practical nurses and healthcare aides says talks for a new contract have completely stalled.
More than 16,000 workers could walk off the job as early as Saturday morning.
AUPE says it served strike notice just before 8am Wednesday, Nov. 19th, after mediation failed to come to any kind of deal or even recommendations. The union says the current offer from the employer “just isn’t good enough,” especially when it comes to wages.
Workers want the pay gap narrowed between registered nurses and LPNs, arguing their expanding scope of practice should come with better compensation. AUPE also says the two sides are still far apart on things like professional development days, hours of work, limits on banked overtime, on-call pay, mileage, benefits, and insurance fees.
The union is urging the government and employer to come back with a stronger mandate, saying there’s still time to reach a fair deal and avoid a strike.
If a walkout does happen, members will receive strike pay through direct deposit.
Earlier this month, 98 per cent of voting members supported taking strike action.
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