Thousands of Alberta workers have started voting on whether or not to strike. The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) represents workers in sectors across government, law enforcement, social services and the trades. AUPE said its employees have not seen a significant wage increase in decades and are being impacted by rising costs of living. AUPE said the province offered 11.5 per cent over four years while the union is asking for 24 per cent over four years. On April 16, the union told members negotiations had stalled and a strike vote would be held. Eight AUPE locals will vote from Thursday to Monday. Union vice-president Sandra Azocar said, due to legislation changes in 2017, this is the first time Alberta public sector workers have had the legal right to strike. “Our members are ready. They’re ready to take a stand,” Azocar said. “We are basically asking for what’s fair. It’s not greedy to ask for what you’re worth.” Finance Minister Nate Horner said the province has applied for a lockout vote should AUPE members vote in favour of a strike, but did not say if it would be used. “They’re in the process now of asking for the ability to strike,” Horner said. “We go through the same process to ensure that we have that tool, but it’s just something you have in (your) back pocket, and we’ll see where it goes.” “I certainly don’t want to fan any flames here,” he added. “Let them have their vote. Let them see what they come back and come to us with and we’ll take it from there.” Azocar said lock outs are “part of the course” of negotiations, adding she doesn’t see how the province would meet obligations under the essential services agreement should they follow through. The province has said it has a plan and that there would be no disruption of essential services in the case of a strike.
