(rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Strike looming

Nursing care workers to picket in Red Deer, Olds, and Lacombe

Nov 21, 2025 | 4:42 PM

More than 16,000 nursing care workers from across the province could begin striking on Saturday morning, including in central Alberta, if a new deal cannot be struck with the Alberta government before then.

This comes after the AUPE issued a 72-hour strike notice to Alberta Health Services on Nov. 19.

On Friday, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) released the locations where they’ll be picketing, which include 50 locations.

This includes the Red Deer Regional Hospital, the Olds Hospital and Care Centre, and the Lacombe Hospital & Care Centre.

Staff will strike outside the hospital in Red Deer from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, followed by 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

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They will do the same in Olds and Lacombe from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

The AUPE said in the announcement they’re ready to send a powerful message in their fight for better wages and working conditions. A full list can be found here.

The AHS Nursing Care sector includes Licensed Practical Nurses, Health Care Aides, Orthopedic Technicians, and Surgical Processors in hospitals and health care centres across Alberta.

The AUPE and Alberta Health Services say they have returned to the bargaining table ahead of Saturday’s 8:30 a.m. deadline for the start of job action.

The AUPE has said it was “eager to see the employer’s new offer,” but there has been no word on what, if any, concessions AHS had made.

Finance Minister Nate Horner has said AHS has contingency plans in place in the event of a strike.

The union has said about 78 per cent of union members are essential workers, meaning not all are legally allowed to strike.

-With files from The Canadian Press