The union representing licensed practical nurses and healthcare aides in Alberta says bargaining on a new contract has reached an impasse, and more than 16,000 workers could hit the picket lines starting Saturday morning.
AUPE says strike notice was serviced just before 8 a.m. Wednesday.
“Mediation was not successful. We did not reach a tentative agreement nor receive recommendations from our mediator,” the union explained. “The employer’s offer is simply not good enough, especially when it comes to our wages. ”
Employees want the pay gap to close between registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, saying expanding scope of practice justifies and increase in wages.
The union and government are also “far apart,” according to AUPE, on professional development days, hours of work improvements, limits on banked overtime, improved on-call pay rates and schedules, mileage, benefits, and fees and insurance.
AUPE wants the government and employer to return to the bargaining table with an improved mandate.
“There is still time to reach a fair deal at the bargaining table before we go on strike,” the union says.
Members of the union will receive strike pay via direct deposit.
This comes after union members voted 98 per cent in favour of strike earlier this month.
