LPNs, pharmacy techs, and other Alberta healthcare professionals voting on potential strike
Posted November 3, 2025 7:55 am.
Alberta’s licensed practical nurses (LPNs), healthcare aides (HCAs), pharmacy technicians, and other healthcare professionals will wrap up voting Monday on a potential strike.
Alberta Union of Public Employees (AUPE) Locals 041, 043, 044, 045, and 046, Alberta Health Services Nursing Care is urging members to vote ‘yes.’
Voting began Thursday and will be open until 4:30 p.m. Monday.
If healthcare workers choose a strike mandate, a strike can be called anytime in the 120 days that follow. AUPE says per the labour board’s recent decision, the earliest a strike could be called is Nov. 17.
The union’s demands have been narrowed down to a list of five: fair wage increases, work-life balance, improvements to benefits, professional development support and licensing, and mileage and parking.
AUPE wants LPNs to be paid 84 per cent of the registered nurse (RN) wage. It says that when negotiations on a new contract started, LPN’s maximum hourly pay rate was fifth in Canada.
“Inflation has significantly impacted everyone’s ability to afford the basics, and our wages have fallen behind,” it says.
When it comes to work-life balance, the union wants improvements to scheduling, including two full consecutive days off with no on-call, no more than six consecutive days in a row, an increase in on-call pay $7/hour, and more.
They are also asking for all prescriptions to be covered, including diabetic supplies, and an increase to massage therapy spending.
Three professional development leave days for all licensed employees, with an expansion to newly-licensed HCAs, is also on the table.
Employees also want on-site parking at no cost and mileage for those who need to use their personal vehicle for work.
“A strike vote is a tool AUPE will use to put pressure on the employer to deliver a fair deal that meets our demands,” the union says on its website. “A strong strike vote shows the employer that we are united and ready to do whatever it takes to have our demands met.”
