Budget addresses staffing shortfalls in some key areas, leaves critical shortages in others, says AUPE president
EDMONTON – Finance Minister Lloyd Snelgrove’s budget yesterday acknowledged Albertans’ desire for sustainable public services by addressing serious staffing shortfalls in several critical areas, says the president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees.
“AUPE members do not agree with every aspect of this budget by any means, but we recognize as positive Mr. Snelgove’s efforts in the budget to limit past damage to Alberta’s public service and even to extend services in key areas,” said AUPE President Guy Smith.
We are pleased to see a commitment for sustainable funding in health care, and a commitment to hire 30 additional probation officers and a number of occupational health and safety officers in the province, Smith added.
AUPE is calling for additional hiring as a result of budget items in such areas as children and youth services, corrections, and environmental protection.
These are areas where the government needs to make a sincere effort to ensure Albertans receive the effective public services they deserve and expect, said Smith.
“From our perspective, the government has finally got it right in some of these high-pressure areas,” he said.
At the same time, Smith added, AUPE remains concerned that the government has not addressed staffing shortfalls in other areas of government, which are at the lowest levels per capita in approximately 30 years.
Furthermore, cuts to Advanced Education are of real concerns to AUPE, which represents close to 10,000 support staff at numerous universities, colleges and post-secondary institutes across Alberta.
AUPE is Alberta’s largest union representing approximately 76,000 members province-wide.
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For more information, contact:
Guy Smith, President, AUPE, 780-930-3301 or 780-265-2294 (cellular phone)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (cellular phone)
Photo: AUPE president Guy Smith speaks with media about Alberta Budget 2011 at the Alberta legislature Feb. 24.