Nurses’ strike narrowly averted; agreement to be voted on

Posted on: November 26, 2025November 26, 2025 Staff Writer

By Rob Vogt
It literally went down to the last minute before auxiliary nursing care licensed practical nurses and health care aides were set to go on strike.
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees reported their negotiating team secured a tentative agreement with the employer, Alberta Health Services, just one minute before a strike was scheduled to begin.
Members still have to vote to ratify the agreement.
That strike was set for Saturday, Nov. 22.
The total wage increases secured would be:
• 23.81% total wage increases for licensed practical nurses.
• 17.05% total wage increases for health care aides.
Here is a breakdown of those wage increases:
• A general wage increase of 3.0% each year for all members.
• Markets adjustments for licensed practical nurses: 10.0% market adjustment, retroactive to April 1, 2024.
• Markets adjustments for health care aides: 4.0% market adjustment, retroactive to April 1, 2024.
However, members will discuss the tentative agreement, with town halls that were scheduled for Nov. 25.
The vote to ratify the tentative agreement will take place after that.
Nate Horner, president of treasury board and minister of finance was encouraged by the negotiations.
“Alberta’s government is very encouraged that Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) have reached a tentative agreement that will be recommended to their members. The strike has been averted,” he said on Nov. 22.
“Both parties have worked extremely hard over the last several days to reach this outcome, and we appreciate their commitment to finding a path forward that supports stability in Alberta’s health-care system.
“We respect the work of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Health Care Aides (HCAs), and they deserve a fair agreement. The settlement reflects strong wage offers for LPNs and HCAs to ensure Alberta’s pay remains competitive across Canada.
“We look forward to AUPE members having the opportunity to review and vote on the agreement. Member ratification is an important step in the bargaining process.
“Alberta’s government remains focused on supporting a stable, modern and stronger health-care system for all Albertans. We appreciate the collaborative efforts of both AHS and AUPE in reaching this agreement.”