Steelworkers on Strike against AUPE

CNW, 22 September 2000

EDMONTON, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) could be faced with a strike by the 80 members of the United Steelworkers' Local 9302, who provide union representation and administrative support to the AUPE's 45,000 members across the province.

"We served the AUPE with strike notice this morning," said Steelworkers' Staff Representative Keith Turcotte. "We have a 100 per cent strike mandate, but the leadership of the AUPE doesn't seem to be listening. We will not agree to a concessionary contract, however, the concessions still haven't left the table. The employer is showing no signs of withdrawing them. They want to reduce the benefit plan, introduce a three-tier wage structure, and weaken job security and training and progression language.

"We are proud to serve the membership in government, health, and education services, but we are also determined to negotiate a decent contract for ourselves that reflects the value of our work," said Turcotte.

For further information: Keith Turcotte, (780) 487-1141, Steelworkers Website: www.uswa.ca, Steelworkers E-Mail: uswa@uswa.ca