AGLC and APS staff receive a retroactive one-per-cent wage increase
For the second time this week, an independent arbitrator has rejected public sector employers’ attempts to roll back wages, awarding workers at the Alberta Pensions Services Corporation (APS) and Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) a one percent increase for the third year of their respective collective agreements instead of the two percent rollback the employers were seeking.
The arbitrator, Mr. David Tettensor wrote, “Upon consideration of the submissions of the parties, supported by the comprehensive materials provided …. I conclude that is fair and reasonable to the Employees and Employers and in the best interests of the public to award a 1% increase as the general adjustment to wages in Year 3 of the terms of the respective Collective Agreements.”
Although the decision affects two different employers with different collective agreements, the parties agreed for the matter to be heard jointly as they were substantially similar.
“Yet again, an independent arbitrator has rejected this government’s austerity agenda,” said AUPE Secretary-Treasurer Jason Heistad.
“Our members work hard for Albertans and deserve this very modest increase after agreeing to two years of no increases.”
AUPE argued that both employers have very strong financial statements, which the employers admitted.
“That the employers freely admitted their wage roll back proposal had nothing to do with their ability to pay is pretty solid evidence that this government’s austerity agenda isn’t driven by financial necessity; it’s driven by an ideological commitment to drive Albertans’ wages to the bottom,” said Heistad.
Workers will receive retroactive pay to cover the increase. For APS, this covers the period Jan. 1, 2020 - Dec. 31, 2020 and for AGLC, it’s Aug. 1, 2019 - Jul. 31, 2020.
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For further information, please contact:
Mimi Williams AUPE Communications Officer
m.williams@aupe.org