During three additional days of bargaining this week, negotiators for the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees and the Government of Alberta exchanged additional information on their proposals in hopes of fostering a better understanding of their respective positions.
In addition, the parties have scheduled additional bargaining days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 6-8.
Bargaining between AUPE and the employer for a new collective agreement got off to a difficult start after the parties exchanged proposals on Sept. 13, with the employer taking an opening position of no pay increases and a freeze on incremental increases through the life of a three-year agreement.
In addition, the Government of Alberta refused to consider changes to contract language that AUPE believes are required to bring the agreement into the 21st Century.
After two days of bargaining on Sept. 21 and 22, the employer’s position was sharply at variance with AUPE’s, with the union calling for pay increases of 4 per cent in the first year of a two-year agreement, and 5 per cent in the second.
The union argues such pay increases are entirely justified by current economic conditions in Alberta, where the average provincial weekly wage is currently rising at a rate of about 3.5 per cent.
AUPE is also seeking a significant number of important changes to contract language affecting such areas as seniority, job classifications, pensions, layoff and recall provisions, health benefits, pay structure, promotions and transfers.
The General Service Bargaining Committee (GSBC), which represents the approximately 22,000 Albertans who are directly employed by the Alberta Government.
The previous three-year agreement expired on Aug. 31, but will continue to be in effect until a new agreement is reached.
Members of the GSBC will be working closely with the local negotiating teams representing direct government employees to ensure that members are involved and are kept up to date on developments.
