Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner presents the Alberta 2025 budget in Edmonton, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
JFEDMONTON - As a clock counts down the hours until thousands of Alberta hospital workers begin their strike, their union has published a list of where the first picket lines will be.
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees and Alberta Health Services say they have returned to the bargaining table ahead of Saturday's 8:30 a.m. deadline for the start of job action.
The AUPE has said it was "eager to see the employer's new offer," but there has been no word on what, if any, concessions AHS had made.
Instead, the union says picket lines will be at health centres and hospitals Saturday and Sunday, including the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary and the Wainwright Health Centre.
The AUPE gave strike notice Wednesday to AHS after bargaining fell apart over wages, and the 16,000 affected workers include licensed practical nurses and health-care aides.
Finance Minister Nate Horner has said AHS has contingency plans in place in the event of a strike.
The union has said about 78 per cent of union members are essential workers, meaning not all are legally allowed to strike.
"It’s time to send a powerful message," the AUPE announcement of picket locations stated. "We’re ready to fight for the wages and working conditions we deserve."
"Get your AUPE swag or favourite red outfit ready, make a catchy sign, and join a strike line near you this weekend."
The union did not immediately respond to an email Friday asking whether AHS has made changes to what it's offering workers.
Horner, in a statement Wednesday, said he would say more about what non-essential services would be impacted by the strike in the coming days.
Asked Friday whether there was any further information about what services would be affected, the health-delivery agency did not have an immediate answer.
The union has said there's a wage gap of about nine per cent between what the government last offered and what workers are demanding. The province last offered a 12 per cent wage increase over four years.
This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published Nov. 21, 2025.
The ºÃÉ«tv Press. All rights reserved.
When it comes to personal finances, knowledge makes all the difference. Why is it …
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
