Alberta public sector workers vote in favour of strike action following failed negotiations

CBC

13-05-2025

Thousands of workers employed by the Alberta government have voted in favour of a strike, after labour negotiations reached a standstill last month.
In a statement Tuesday, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, which represents more than 23,000 provincial employees, delivered a 90.1 per cent strike mandate.
Of the eight union locals participating in the vote, 80 per cent of eligible employees cast a ballot, the AUPE said.
Results have been provided to the Alberta Labour Relations Board for formal confirmation and verification, the union said.
"This mandate underscores the urgent need for fair wages, improved working conditions, and genuine job security for the future," the union said in a statement Tuesday.
"Historically, strong strike mandates are a powerful tool to bring most employers back to the bargaining table."
Members participated in the vote from Thursday to Monday, including workers across a wide range of government services, including health, law enforcement and social services.
AUPE members include a broad range of public sector employees such as corrections officers, hospital staff, social workers and parks employees.
CBC News has reached out to the Alberta government for comment.
A 'good deal'
Despite the results, a strike is not a certainty.
The strike vote is valid for 120 days but the union said it's bargaining committee is focused on reaching a "good deal" through continued negotiations.
Within the 120-day window, workers can walk off the job with 72-hours notice.
Wages have been at the centre of the labour dispute.
According to the union, it asked for wage increases of 24 per cent over four years, while the province offered 11.5 per cent.
On April 16, the union told members negotiations had reached an impasse and that it was preparing to hold a strike vote following a formal cooling off period if mediation efforts failed to reach a deal.
The union says it continues to push for wages that reflect "real inflation and fair compensation for its members."
The Alberta government, meanwhile, has since applied for lockout, a measure employers can use to apply pressure to negotiations.