Updates from Across Alberta
After months of negotiations, AUPE (Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) have reached a mediated settlement with the provincial government. According to an AUPE news release, members still must vote on the new deal, which includes the potential for a salary increase of between 1.25% and 3.25% by September 2023. AUPE also said the government was no longer seeking concessions on reductions in overtime pay, benefits, and other areas.
AUPE noted they had taken steps to prepare for job action during this process, including training hundreds of pick captains. Said Guy Smith, AUPE President, “We put all those processes in place and until we know this is a done deal, we will continue to [do so]. I think the government saw our resolve. Obviously, we didn’t want to be on picket lines, nobody does. We were determined to be prepared for it.”
Source: AUPE, Provincial Government Reach Tentative Deal, CBC.ca, 10/13/2021
“A new report has been released by the Parkland Institute, challenging the Government of Alberta’s plan for the future of post-secondary education in the province. The report, titled Roadmap or Roadkill, A Critical Look at the Government’s Strategy for Post-Secondary Education in Alberta, was put together by University of Lethbridge professors Dr. Trevor Harrison and Dr. Richard Mueller. The document argues that the province’s plan, Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs (which can be viewed here), is ill-advised and the proposed changes and cuts, if implemented, will have a radical and dangerous impact on the province’s post-secondary system.”
On October 21, join Parkland Institute for a free, online public forum to discuss the findings of this report. Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/setting-the-…
Source: Parkland Institute Report Criticizes Alberta’s Plan for Future of Post-Secondary Education, Lethbridge News Now, 10/5/2021
Good news about LAPP! Effective January 1, 2022, all active members will immediately become invested in LAPP (without the previous 2 year waiting period). This is a positive change, especially for temporary salaried employees. Additionally, contribution rates for LAPP will be reduced by 1% starting in January 2022. Members who contribute to the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) will have their contributions reduced, while benefits stay the same. Source: LAPP.ca | SAITNow.ca, 10/7/2021