“AUPE members are proud Albertans, and for the past 100 years, have stood up for our province, our communities and the vital public services we all rely on,” said AUPE president Guy Smith.
“From government services to education, health care and boards, agencies and municipal governments, these folks work hard day in and day out, often with limited resources, to ensure the needs of their fellow Albertans and a growing province are met.”
Numbers show Alberta’s population has grown by close to 176,000, about the size of Red Deer and Medicine Hat combined, in just three years, but overall funding for public services has failed to keep up with the pace of this growth, stretching the front lines past capacity.
“But even with this challenge, public-service workers pride themselves on delivering the best quality services possible and they deserve to be recognized not only this week, but all year,” adds Smith.
“This can be done through more open and respectful dialogue between the Alberta government and front-line workers, and by demanding proper staffing levels and adequate funding are in place.
“AUPE members will continue to fight for these commitments from our provincial government,” Smith said.
Public Service Week runs from June 9 – 15 and was officially declared in Alberta last year.