Bargaining Update - GSBC update #17
Statement on the GOA’s misleading email to staff
The Government of Alberta (GOA) has recently sent out APS Collective Bargaining Update #5 to all AUPE members.
That communication is not only misleading but also deliberately attempts to divide our membership. As we pointed out in Bargaining Update #16, the GOA’s tactic is to pit workers against workers in an effort to keep wage increases to a minimum. We won’t let them succeed.
The employer is clearly worried about the momentum building towards a strike vote, and this latest move is an attempt to break our unity. If they believed their offer was fair, they would be focused on bringing it to ratification, not on trying to undermine us. A high strike mandate will send a clear message to your Employer that you want to be treated fairly and with respect!
The GOA claims they’re disappointed with AUPE, saying we have no evidence to back up our bargaining position. This is just not true! Anyone not impacted by the rising cost of living over the past few years must be making a very high salary. From day one, AUPE’s position has been clear: we’re bargaining for wages that at least keep up with inflation. We’ve shown the data to back it up, and we’ve repeated our position consistently. For the employer to say our position isn’t based on facts is simply false.
The AUPE Bargaining Committee has been clear: our members are struggling. We have people using food banks, putting items back on the shelf at the grocery store, and making do with less. The employer is withholding wages they deem fair for other workers in the province, but not for our members. This is a direct attack on AUPE.
While AUPE has no interest in bargaining through the media, we will once again reiterate our message to the employer: return to the bargaining table with a new offer that treats AUPE members the same as the recently ratified UNA deal.
We will break down the GOA’s message and show exactly how it’s misleading and divisive. More details will be shared with you before the information meetings and the strike vote.
The GOA has deliberately misled and given members false hope. To suggest the classifications they listed were offered 24% is false. Several classifications of administration, sheriffs/correctional service officers were offered ZERO market adjustments. The GOA is trying to divide our membership as a whole and divide Locals, including our provincial Law enforcement.
The governments $4.7M annual fund "that can be used to provide additional compensation to occupations that are difficult to retain or recruit to in certain locations" and used social workers in rural areas as their example would mean higher pay than existing rates, raises concerns. It highlights the disparity for current social workers, who may feel overlooked. This situation emphasizes the need for a more balanced approach to address the overall shortage.
We ask that if you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your GSBC bargaining representative email listed below.
In the meantime, remain steadfast and committed to securing the wages and working conditions that you rightfully deserve. Continue to support each other. Whether you work in government services or any other area, we are united as a workforce and must stand together in the face of the employer’s tactics.
Please mark your calendars for the telephone town halls on April 30 and May 1. These sessions will offer comprehensive updates and discussions regarding the current status of bargaining and preparations for our strike vote.
Solidarity and mutual support will ultimately determine our success. We must rise above the employer’s attempts to divide us.
Stay tuned for further updates.
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Read more about our Bargaining Updates - Bargaining Update #17
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