Thousands of Alberta civil servants vote to strike to back demands

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees said members have voted 90 per cent in favour of hitting the picket lines, but that the goal remains to get a deal at the bargaining table.

A strike date has not been set, but could happen in the next four months.

Union president Guy Smith told reporters the vote was historic and the first in AUPE’s 106 years.

“The results are compelling. Eighty per cent of our members participated in the vote, and 90.1 per cent of them voted ‘yes’ in favor of taking strike action,” he said at a news conference.

“However, ultimately it is our goal and it is always our goal to get a deal at the table.”

Smith said the union does not want to have to use the clear strike mandate it has received, but will “if necessary”.

“Our members can take confidence in knowing that we are fully ready and prepared to support them in the event of a strike,” he said.

“In the meantime, we now have the full backing and support of the members and we call upon the government to come back to the table and negotiate seriously towards a successful conclusion.”

Smith said AUPE believes a deal is achievable.

“We are ready and willing to get back to the negotiating table. We’re calling upon the government to do so seriously,” he said.

Smith said the strike vote that was taken from Thursday to Monday can be used within the next 120 days with 72 hours’ notice.

“But we have no intention of doing that at this point,” he said.

The union represents roughly 23,000 people working in jobs ranging from law enforcement to social work. The union says it’s seeking wage hikes, improved working conditions and job security.

Alberta’s finance minister did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

— With files from The Canadian Press

by Jayk Sterkenburg

Thousands of Alberta civil servants vote to strike to back demands

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