More officers, employer accountability needed to battle Alberta's workplace health and safety crisis
EDMONTON – Alberta’s largest union is calling on Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Employment and Immigration to hire more Occupational Health and Safety officers and to increase employer accountability to help combat the on-going safety emergencies at worksites across Alberta.
GSBC meet at headquarters
Members of AUPE’s General Service Bargaining Committee met at union headquarters Dec. 13 in Edmonton. The bargaining committee concluded a province-wide tour Dec. 1 that saw thousands come out to voice their thoughts on continuing negotiations with the government. The negotiations are among the most complex in union history. Members of the bargaining team are due for some much needed time off this holiday season.
Medicine Hat Area Council Christmas Party
The Medicine Hat Area Council held their First Annual Children’s Christmas Party on Nov. 28, which was well received by everyone who attended. The families enjoyed a pizza lunch and a visit from Santa, and the 74 children attending loved their time on the climbing wall, swimming, and the inflatable obstacle course.
SAIT Bargaining Update
History of progress:
Representatives of AUPE and SAIT met on June 24, July 14, Sept. 22-23 and Dec. 6-7. Progress with SAIT has been slow and the employer’s attitude continues to be frustrating.
Most recent talks with the employer and the mediator broke down mid-day Dec. 7 after a “best offer” from the employer was made that both shocked and dismayed the bargaining committee. This offer did not come close to the union’s requests and was unacceptable for members. The team was stunned by SAIT’s complete lack of creativity in their proposals, which show just how out-of-line and out-of-touch they are compared to other post-secondary institutions AUPE represents in Calgary.
We are happy to report that some limited progress has been made for members of local 039, however, including the achievement of 17 articles of understanding over the last few months.
COPA meets
Members of AUPE’s Committee on Political Action got in the holiday spirit during meetings at union headquarters Dec. 13 in Edmonton.
AUPE disappointed and dismayed by omission of Alberta Hospital from capital projects list
EDMONTON – The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees was disappointed and dismayed to learn the redevelopment of Alberta Hospital Edmonton was not on the Health and Wellness Ministry’s list of major health care capital projects planned in Alberta.
Local 003/008 meets at headquarters
Members of AUPE Local 003 Chapter 008 — employees at Edmonton Remand Centre — met with Membership Services Officer Carol Anne Dean Dec. 10 at union headquarters in Edmonton.
AUPE marks International Human Rights Day
Today is International Human Rights Day and Alberta’s largest union is marking the occasion by encouraging all members to help make a difference by speaking up for human rights and speaking out against discrimination in all forms.
Minutes - Anti-Privatization Committee
HELD AT HEADQUARTERS
The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. with Karen Weiers in the Chair.
ROLL CALL
Present:
LeeAnn Boudreau Local 095 Calgary
Brian Cook Local 012 Coaldale
Julie Jacques Local 047 Spruce Grove
Marilyn Jones Secretary Local 041 Medicine Hat
Cory Levesque Local 010 Edmonton
Bruce Macdonald Local 046 St. Albert
Mike MacKenzie Local 003 Airdrie
Nancy Rakowski Vice chair Local 054 Edmonton
Karen Weiers Chair Local 095 Airdrie
Desiree Schell Staff Advisor
Guests:
Gil Laflamme Staff (Education)
David Climenhaga Staff (Communication)
Allen Scout Communication
Scott Scout Communication
Anti-Privatization Committee meets
Members of AUPE’s Anti-Privatization committee met at union headquarters Dec. 9 in Edmonton.