(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

JUNE 20 & JUNE 24

AUPE bargaining town hall comes to Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House

Jun 17, 2024 | 11:47 AM

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) is holding 52 province-wide town halls this month as negotiations with the Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services, and other employers reach what the union is describing as a critical stage.

In Red Deer, the town hall is scheduled for June 20. In Rocky Mountain House, the meeting will take place June 24.

According to AUPE officials, these “Time for Action” town halls are held to bring AUPE members together for an update on negotiations and important discussions on how members can fight for what they feel they deserve at the bargaining table.

“Negotiations at many bargaining tables are reaching a critical stage,” says AUPE president Guy Smith. “It is time for AUPE members to prepare for action. We must be ready to support each other in our collective struggles for better wages, job security, and working conditions.”

The union says that 82,000 members have entered collective bargaining this year. Member concerns revolve around increases to wages, benefits, and working conditions, which they would like to see reflect their calibre of work and keep up with a rising cost of living.

“AUPE members are demanding better for all Albertans,” says AUPE vice-president Darren Graham, who represents central Alberta members. “Better collective agreements mean workers not only get the support and respect we deserve, but it also means better services and care for the Albertans who depend on us.”

Other town halls that have occurred or are scheduled in central Alberta include:

• Camrose; June 6
• Olds; June 10
• Stettler; June 11
• Wetaskiwin; June 12
• Drayton Valley; June 17
• Drumheller; June 18
• Wainwright; June 18
• Hanna; June 19

—

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter, and download the rdnewsNOW mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store for all the latest updates on this and other stories.