AUPE workers march the downtown streets in solidarity with their negotiation workers as part of a noon-hour rally of support Wednesday.--NEWS PHOTO ANNA SMITH
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
As workers wait for word on final mediations, local members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees took to the downtown sidewalks on Wednesday afternoon.
The rally took place outside the Provincial Building on Wednesday, as workers from various provincial sectors came together to chant, march and enjoy some pizza together despite the heat.
As of the time of writing, AUPE is still waiting for the results of the enhanced mediation process, says union vice president Curtis Jackson.
“We are awaiting news from our bargaining committee as to what that outcome is,” said Jackson. “Members will have a telephone town hall (Thursday) at noon, as well as (Thursday) evening.”
He says more information will be forthcoming once the bargaining committee has finished formulating results. The rally was about solidarity, to raise spirits after a long fight, but also served as practice for what may come should this final mediation not result in a contract. Both the union and the province will have to agree to what the mediator proposes, says Jackson.
“We’re supporting, supporting our bargaining team, getting our voices heard and practising in case we need to be out here,” said Jackson.
AUPE represents roughly 24,000 workers in various jobs in the provincial sector, from administrative support staff, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped and Family Supports for Children with Disabilities delivery, to sheriffs, firefighters and correctional officers, among others.
The biggest sticking point during negotiations remains wages, says Jackson. He says wages have not matched the rising cost of living, and that AUPE has had members who have not been approved to refinance homes they had previously purchased due to mortgage rates changing, something they believe should not happen to full-time provincial employees.
“I do know that throughout bargaining and throughout mediation, the numbers have risen somewhat and I’m hopeful that this outcome shows us that our members are being taken seriously,” said Jackson. “Everybody’s struggling with that cost-of-living increase to put bread on the table and keep their lights on. So that’s really what it comes down to.”
The province being willing to come back to the table for advanced mediation gives the union some hope, but with an historic 90.1% vote in favour of a strike, AUPE is prepared to move forward regardless of what the news will be. Should mediation not result in a contract, Jackson anticipates the strike announcement will surface sometime next week.
“Either way, I think our members are excited to see what the outcome is of mediation, and we’re waiting and our members will ultimately decide,” said Jackson.
