AUPE says post-secondary workers ‘insulted’ by low-ball offer, likely to take next steps

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on May 13, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

According to the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, cuts to public funding have led to significant staff reductions at Red Deer Polytechnic, the South Alberta Institute of Technology and Olds College.

The union said Monday that provincial universities, colleges and other post-secondary institutions are being “gutted” by deep cuts to funding and services.

“Students and staff rely on essential support available to them through our publicly funded post-secondary education system,” said Bobby-Joe Borodey, vice-president AUPE. “How can the government and our employers expect to attract and support students when their funding cuts are creating a crisis?”

Borodey says cuts are coming as unions enter negotiations for new collective agreements. Currently post-secondary workers are among more than 82,000 AUPE members under negotiations for improved wages and benefits, as well as better working conditions.

During recent negotiations between AUPE members and Olds College that occurred on April 29, the union requested a 24 per cent paid increase over the next four years, with a $1,500 increase to flex spending accounts.

The union has also asked for a cost-of-living adjustment to combat inflation.

“Despite this, the employer responded with a lowball offer,” reads a union bargaining update.

Olds College presented an offer for a wage increase of 7.5 per cent over the next four years, “which is simply not good enough … The employer seems intent on playing games at the bargaining table.”

The bargaining update also reports Olds College will cut incumbent pay increases from 10 per cent to three per cent, as well as extending the qualifying period.

“We told the employer they must remove all rollbacks before we can move forward in bargaining,” continues the update. “Our team will return to the bargaining table only after Olds College has significantly adjusted their position. If the employer refuses, our next step will be likely to apply for informal meditation.”

“We’re seeing conditions in post-secondary bargaining that we’re not seeing anywhere else. All AUPE members are fighting for the improved wages and working conditions they deserve, but post-secondary workers are also fighting to keep their jobs,” said Borodey.

Borodey says the union will continue standing up for its members and the students they serve.

“We won’t accept the government and our employer’s disrespect. We’re ready to fight for the working conditions we deserve and the education system we support.”

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