COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
- Public health restrictions: Alberta entered Step 2 on March 1.
- Book your vaccine: Albertans 5+ can get it now. Get third dose when eligible.
COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
In an effort to reach a negotiated settlement with the union representing government workers, the Alberta government has introduced Bill 46, the Public Service Salary Restraint Act.
This release was issued under a previous government.
The Bill provides a framework in which government and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) can negotiate a fair agreement that fits within the government’s fiscal restraint policy, consistent with agreements reached this year with Alberta’s doctors and teachers. Budget 2013 targeted an overall operating spending increase of zero per cent in 2013/14 to help reach a balanced budget.
"We want to get back to the bargaining table with AUPE so we can reach an agreement that is fair to our hard-working public servants and fair to taxpayers. AUPE walked away from the table, but legislating an agreement is not our preferred approach. We’ve made a fair offer that recognizes restraint our employees have already taken, provides a modest wage increase, and ensures we meet our commitment to taxpayers to hold the line on spending. It’s time to get back to the negotiating table."
A key part of the Building Alberta Plan is ensuring government continues to live within its means while focusing spending on the services Albertans rely on.
“Decisions that directly impact the spending of taxpayer dollars – and our ability to pay for the services Albertans rely upon, need to be made by government. That’s why we want to negotiate a long-term agreement that continues to be fair to workers and allows us to meet our commitment to taxpayers – just like we did with our doctors and teachers.”
The Bill includes:
Public sector salaries make up roughly half of government’s total operating budget each year, including doctors and nurses, teachers and post-secondary faculty, and the employees of Alberta’s Public Service. The Alberta government was successful in negotiating agreements with doctors and teachers that hold wages flat for three years and ensure stability in these sectors. MLAs are also setting an example by proposing an additional three-year wage freeze on their own salaries.
The collective agreement between the Alberta government and AUPE expired on March 31, 2013. The government and AUPE negotiated for 12 days before AUPE walked away from the table. Mediation was held and no resolution could be reached. AUPE has applied for binding arbitration – a step they have not taken in more than 30 years.
Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.
The Public Service Salary Restraint Act provides a framework in which the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) can negotiate a new collective agreement that fits within the government’s fiscal restraint policy.
Who Does This Legislation Cover?
Collective Bargaining Background:
New Offer
Cost of wage settlement in Public Service Salary Restraint Act:
Year 1 – no cost
Year 2 - $19 million – One Time Lump Sum Payment
Year 3 - $16.4 million
Year 4 - $16.6 million
Total: $52 million over four years
Historical Salary Increases – APS Union Employees
2012 – 4%
2011 – 0% with a $1,250 lump sum
2010 – 0% with a $1,750 lump sum
2009 – 4.3%
2008 – 4.8%
2007 – 4.9% with a $1,500 lump sum
2006 – 3.0%
2005 – 3.0%
2004 – 3.9%
2003 – 3.5%
Annual Alberta Public Service Payroll (base salary and benefits):
APS Union, Bargaining Unit – $1.63 billion (21,642 employees)
APS Non-Union, Opted-Out & Excluded and Exempt - $206.5 million (2,212 employees)
APS Non-Union, Management - $696 million (4,756 employees)