Government workers vote in favour of new collective agreement

Members of the Alberta Union of Public Employees will not go on strike after they voted in favour of recommendations from a mediator.

Government of Alberta workers that are members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) have voted in favour of a new collective agreement after recommendations were presented by a mediator last week.

Voting wrapped up Wednesday with 63.5 per cent in favour and 36.5 per cent opposed. AUPE said 71 per cent of its eligible members voted.

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Some of the recommendations from the mediator include a general salary increase of three per cent per year over four years; weekend shift premiums on evenings and nights while working overtime; recognition of all provincially and federally named holidays; new mental health supports; and more.

The term of the agreement is from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2028.

As per the agreement, the province will pay all retroactive pay within 90 days, said a statement from AUPE.

If members voted against the contract recommendations, the union said they would strike before Sept. 9.

“This has been a difficult process, and members had to weigh tough choices,” said AUPE President Guy Smith in a statement. “After this democratic vote, we now move forward with an agreement in place.”

In a statement from the province, Finance Minister Nate Horner said the contract is the result of many months of negotiations.

“The agreement balances competitive compensation with long-term stability for both employees and the public service,” said Horner.

AUPE represents a variety of provincial workers across multiple sectors, including but not limited to law enforcement, social services, natural resources, and administrative staff.