AUPE rallies across the province: Minister Horner

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner issued the following statement on the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) rallies.

Alberta’s public sector workers are hard working professionals. We are thankful for everything they do and the programs and services they provide Albertans.

Rallies are a democratic right. Workers in the public service are welcome to demonstrate and raise awareness about their collective bargaining position.

The union is calling their summer gatherings and their upcoming central rallies a time for action. I would say it’s also a time for some perspective.

At the heart of the union’s bargaining stance is a demand for better wages. The AUPE wants a 26 per cent wage increase over the next three years for its members that are employed by the government.

The average Albertan has not seen this kind of wage increase. And this government is not going to increase taxes or cut programs and services Albertans rely on to support pay increases that are far beyond market. We must remain competitive with other public sector settlements across Canada that have achieved market-based compensation.

The government’s ingoing offer of 7.5 per cent over four years also aligns with the Conference Board of Canada’s findings that most working Albertans received a salary increase between two and three per cent in 2023 and 2024.

Our opening offer has proposed increases that match numerous settlements AUPE has already agreed to. It is a wage offer that the AUPE has recommended to their members employed by municipalities and in extended health care with contracts extending to 2026. In light of this, it’s confusing to see the narrative AUPE’s President, Guy Smith, is trying to create through his rallies, suggesting his members are facing ‘disrespect’ in collective bargaining.

As more and more people are coming to Alberta, the demand for services continues to increase. This means the government’s approach to its finances must be one of balance, responsibility, and fairness to all Albertans. As I said last week during the first quarter update, this includes paying down massive debt from previous governments and funding much needed programs and services for a growing population. It also includes providing fair and competitive salaries for public sector workers.”