Members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees have demanded a 26% raise over the next three years. 

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) is negotiating wage increases, as workers claim to be struggling with grocery, clothing, and rent prices. 

Over 22,000 individuals are a part of the AUPE, and they state that a 26% wage increase would solve their financial issues. 

“The cost of living has increased for everyone, and every worker has the right to fair, livable compensation from their employers,” said AUPE President Guy Smith. 

Finance Minister Nate Horner said he feels the union’s request is unreasonable and doesn’t see other government workers in Canada receiving the same settlement. 

“The Alberta government will not increase taxes or cut programs, services or workers to give unprecedented salary increases that will result in pay well above market rates,” Horner said in a news release Monday.

Edmonton taxes are expected to increase by 8.7% due to the City’s financial woes

In Edmonton, property taxes are expected to increase by 8.7% this year. 

Originally increasing property taxes by 6.6% in November, city administrators then adjusted the tax raise to 8.7% for 2024 due to Edmonton’s limited money. 

After the chaotic city workers’ strike, which created multiple financial complications and tax increases for Edmontontians, City Manager Andre Corbould announced his resignation, making him the seventh top bureaucrat to leave in a year.

This is one of the reasons the City has almost reached its debt limit and struggles to afford funding for basic services such as transit stations, LRT cars, and homeless shelters. 

“The city’s tapped, the city’s out of money,” said Councillor Tim Cartmell last month. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith took notice of Edmonton’s disarray, saying, “That is a sign that has us concerned about stability.”