Alberta government workers reach tentative agreement

Employees see four per cent increase in 2012 and two lump sum payments

Approximately 21,000 government employees have reached a tentative agreement with the Alberta government. The agreement includes a lump sum payment of $1,750 upon ratification, another lump sum payment of $1,250 in January 2012, followed by a four per cent wage increase in April 2012.

The two and one-half year agreement for members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) includes correctional and probation officers, and social and child welfare workers, as well as administrative support staff.

“We have not only achieved meaningful pay increases, but have addressed many of the serious concerns our members have had with this agreement for more than three decades,” AUPE president Guy Smith said in a union press release.

The deal also includes a $750 annual health spending account and the removal of a cap on long-term disability insurance payments. There will also be an increase in the shift differential and weekend premium pay from $1.75 to $2.75.

The agreement also includes – for the first time – seniority provisions concerning layoffs and the introduction of high-level dialogue to address workload and staffing level issues faced by workers.

Union members still must vote on the ratification of this agreement.

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