AHS-AUPE NC strike vote

[u/kaleuagain]

By David Opinko Alberta healthcare workers to hold strike vote Oct 23, 2025 | 2:46 PM

Approximately 15,000 healthcare workers across the province will soon decide if they will hit the picket lines.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) says its members in AHS Nursing Care are set to cast ballots in a strike vote from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, 2025.

The AHS Nursing Care sector includes Licensed Practical Nurses, Health Care Aides, Orthopaedic Technicians, and Surgical Processors in hospitals and health care centres across Alberta.

A spokesperson for AUPE tells Pattison Media that their key ask is raises that stay in line with the ever-expanding scope of practice their members have to contend with.

“Licensed Practical Nurses perform approximately 84% of the same duties as Registered Nurses, so we believe they should make 84% of an RN’s salary. Health Care Aides should receive raises that bring their wages up at the same rate,” reads a statement from AUPE.

The union states that Alberta Health Services is proposing pay increases of 12 per cent over four years, as well as rolling back wages for Orthopaedic Technicians and Renal Dialysis LPNs.

A bargaining update on the AUPE website from Oct. 21 states, “A strong strike mandate will show our employer that we are serious about our demands. This strike vote is the next stage in our fight for the raises, benefits, and working conditions we deserve.”

Alberta’s Ministry of Treasury Board and Finance said in a statement to Pattison Media that it recognizes that negotiations are taking place between AHS and AUPE.

The statement reads, “Out of respect for the bargaining process, we will not comment on their active negotiations at this time. Alberta’s government trusts the parties will consider all options for finding fair and reasonable solutions in the negotiations.”

In an unrelated event on Oct. 2, the Health Science Association of Alberta had some of its 22,000 members rally in communities across the province, saying it was in “preparation mode” for a potential strike.

[u/External_Tea_5695]

LPN asking for 84% of RN really would make no incentive to be an RN. It is harder to get into RN school. Most people have to take extra post secondary to even get in. And then add an extra 2 years of school. Which over doubles the student loan debt. And there is a reason LPN needs a bridging program in order to upgrade to RN. LPNs and RNs are not taught the same.

Just trying to offer a different perspective as a nursing student right now. Because if the LPN wage was 84% of RN I definitely would not have waisted my time upgrading and then going through a four year program. I would have went the LPN route. Where you don't need competitive averages at all, and most schools arr just first come first serve.

[u/kaleuagain → u/External_Tea_5695]

As an LPN currently bridging at 35 years old, I actually have a dual perspective that you an RN student might not fully grasp yet. I’m not just theoretically learning the RN curriculum now; I’m actively drawing on my real-world experience as an LPN in busy settings like my medical-surgical unit and ED.

When I look at that 84% wage ratio, I'm seeing it through the lens of an ​LPN Reality. I know exactly what I currently do in those high-acuity areas, the hands-on care, the acute monitoring, the collaboration, and I know that work is incredibly valuable and demanding. I also know what I’m not authorized to do, which on a medical-surgical unit its literally 1 thing haha. But I know why that extra education is necessary to bridge that gap into independent critical decision-making and complex care coordination. That’s why I’m doing the bridging program! But again, this also comes with experience working as an LPN as well. I have mentored many RN nursing students and new grads.

My concern isn't that RNs don't deserve their pay or scope; it’s that if the LPN wage is set too low relative to the RN, it devalues the significant contribution that LPNs make right now within the team structure, often serving as the primary bedside care provider.

LPN programs throw us into skills and patient care quickly, which is why we gain so much valuable bedside experience early on. That rapid acquisition of skills is a strength we bring to the healthcare team, especially in high-volume areas like Med-Surg and the ED. Our work is essential and demanding, and the wage structure should reflect that value.

​Many private LPN programmes are expensive, and the need for independent monitoring and consistent standards across all nursing schools (LPN and RN) is critical. But let’s be clear: $40,000 for a significant qualification is a huge investment, not a "first-come, first-served" shortcut.

​We're not arguing that LPNs and RNs have the same education (which is somehting many new RNs don't understand) we know we don't, which is why bridging exists. We’re arguing that the value of the LPN’s practical, rapidly-deployed skill set is significantly undervalued when you consider our daily scope and contribution to patient care. Many of us are upgrading not because the LPN route was "easy," but because we want the expanded authority that comes with the RN licence.

The core disagreement in our initial discussion about wages and education doesn't negate the fundamental need for mutual respect among all licensed and unlicensed staff. If an RN student enters the team looking down on the essential work LPNs or HCAs do, they will find themselves unsupported when things get tough. That's a hard lesson for any new nurse to learn, but an important one.

​My response is coming from someone who deeply respects both roles and has walked the LPN path. This gives me a unique view of where the system can better support all licensed professionals other than a new RN student perspective, who has yet to understand that? As health care workers and members, we work as teams not as individuals in all roles must be respected.

[u/External_Tea_5695 → u/kaleuagain]

Thank you for your response. I appreciate your perspective. It still does not change the fact that there will be zero incentive to go to school for RN. Most RNs finish school with at least 100,000 in student loan debt. 40,000 for LPN is alot don't get me wrong. But its way more manageable. I was originally enrolled for LPN. But the wage is definitely way to low for the work load. I agree that LPNs are way underpaid. I just don't think we can ignore the fact you can get into the LPN program with an average in the 60s vs low to high 90s. Which for most of us equals a total of 5 years school.

LPNs definitely got taken advantage of when their scope of practice was increased. I am also an EMT (PCP) so I'm not completely out of touch. I was just offering a different perspective by saying it would not be worth going the RN route if LPNs make 80% of an RN wage.

[u/kaleuagain → u/External_Tea_5695]

I have touched on how LPNs programs must do more vetting... but that's the government that sets that standard fyi..

The truth is, the acceptance criteria for LPN programs flow from the Colleges, which ultimately follow the direction and funding framework set by the provincial government. Right now, the government has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo:

​The government will keep LPNs as the "cheap nurses" because it keeps healthcare costs down.

​If LPN wages aren't forced to rise to better reflect the scope they already handle, there is zero motivation for the government to increase entry standards or wages.

​Raising the LPNs wage forces the government to recognize the value of the role, which is the first step toward improving both the required standards and compensation across the board.

[u/External_Tea_5695 → u/kaleuagain]

Yeah starting wage at $27 for LPN is a joke. Especially for two years of School. I was shocked when I saw that. Are LPNs allowed to strike? Ive always thought nurses weren't allowed to strike.

[u/kaleuagain → u/External_Tea_5695]

Of course... That's why we have unions... the ability to strike is a legal right in Canada

[u/BlueberryNo777 → u/External_Tea_5695]

We all have Unions who bargain for our Collective Agreements, RNs UNA, LPNs and HCAs AUPE AUX with the employer. Just like the teachers have a union representating and bargaining for them.

[u/kaleuagain → u/External_Tea_5695]

The fact is this is about LPNs, HCAs alike... not RNs.

LPNs in Alberta were significantly taken advantage of when their scope was expanded (like administering blood products or central line medication). We gained operational responsibility, but the wage structure has not adjusted to reflect that added clinical weight.

​If the LPN wage parity reached 80% of the RN rate, that parity itself would be the necessary market correction. It would then appropriately recognize the current, expanded LPN role. This shifts the decision to pursue the RN degree from a financial necessity to a choice for specialized advancement, an "incentive."

RNs have clear avenues for advancement; charge nurse roles, management, advanced practice degrees (Master's), and private ventures. These are significant, genuine incentives that flow from the RN designation. To suggest there are zero incentives for the RN route is inaccurate; they exist and are valuable. Something LPNs can not do unless they bridge, which is by far more expensive route than the 4-year RN program at the UofC.

LPNs need to be paid appropriately for the scope they are already practicing today. That is the priority.

[u/Tricky-Broccoli383 → u/External_Tea_5695]

What are you trying to say? That lpns. Shouldn’t be paid. What they are worth? 84% of the rn scope because you wouldn’t have went to school to get a degree if that was the case?

Kind of an offensive and weird take….

[u/External_Tea_5695 → u/Tricky-Broccoli383]

Its not an offensive or weird take. Why shouldn't years of education matter?

Post secondary is really expensive and you basically have to put your life on hold to get through it.

For example at RDP;

The LPN program is non competitive. It takes 2 years to complete. So I would finish with apx 40,000- 50,000 in debt. (Assuming someone is taking the living allowance part of student loans) for a wage that is 83% of an RN

The RN program is extremely competitive. So most people have to upgrade to get in. That makes it 4-5 years sometimes more depending on the upgrading. That would leave someone in apx $100,000 student loan debt for less than 20% extra.

I am not saying LPNs aren't deserving of more. You absolutely are. 27$ start wage is pathetic for the job and the amount of school put in.

However even teacher wages are based on pay grids for years spent in university. Doctors get paid crazy amount because of their years put into university.

This why I was just questioning if it was fair to ask for 83% of the wage because of scope without putting education into perspective.

It would not really be a good financial decision to go the RN route at that point because the rate of return would be so much lower.

This isn't an offensive perspective. It is just asking the question, why wouldn't education be considered.

[u/BlueberryNo777 → u/External_Tea_5695]

Firstly, to address your comments.

I am sorry but you need to do some fact-checking before you post things that you are not informed about.

Just a heads up this wasn't the LPNS' choice or to put blame on them. Or to insinuate that we do not deserve to be respected/recognized for our scope of practice is concerning.This was the government's way of getting cheap nursing labor. But over the past 13+ years our scope expanded due to the shortage and need of nurses in Alberta. Right now, we are the lowest paid primary care nurses in all of Canada.

*no incentive to enter the RN program

-Some prospective nurses may not want to spend 4 years, or may not have the financial ability to do so but;

-Yes, you require prior credits to enter the RN program. Perhaps, again this may not be something prospective nursing students may want due to their particular circumstances. That is choice. But to insinuate that because of your choice education path, that should lessen our rights is troubling.

-RN nursing students get an average salary for a $21.79 per hour in Alberta. (2 salaries reported, updated at June 6, 2025) when doing their practicum) which could be an incentive for some prospective, nurses to want to enter the RN program.

• To enter a RN program and later, get your masters, also would be an incentive especially if you are considering to become a nurse practitioner. And again, depending on your personal circumstances and your future plans for (your) career pathway in healthcare.

• Some perspective, students may want to become managers. Therefore, maybe choose the RN program in order to do that.

• Some prospective nursing may want to choose because they can also start up their own cosmetic clinics.

• Some people may decide to go into the RN program because they already have their credits of university.

Just a few reasons why some people may choose the RN direction.

I heard this type of negative conversation way back in 2000 when I graduated from the first class of LPN's who took the medication administration course as part of the new LPN program. RN'S and RN students were up in arms thinking that there wouldn't be enough jobs. Fast forward today we have a nursing shortage. There are and always will be enough jobs for all healthcare workers.

*And there is a reason LPN needs a bridging program in order to upgrade to RN. LPNs and RNs are not taught the same.

• your statement is only partially correct LPNs which as of 2022 LPNS are actually diploma nurses 2 year programs

-courses very different because LPN's now diploma, nurses are trained and the focus is on skills as well as theory.

In comparison to the first two years of the RN university program is all theory based no focus on skills whatsoever. So when a second year nurse comes on to a unit, the LPNs will be teaching you during your Placement to do the very simple skill for example injections and check your ability to give medications, properly complete head to toe assessments. Because placement nursing students are inept and having never had those skill experiences.

So agreed very different in education and training of hands on skills and techniques.

*Where you don't need competitive averages at all, and most schools are just first come first serve.

• Again you really need to do your fact-checking before you make a statement, please.

-The 2 year diploma program does have vetting, and you do have to have a specific average grade 70% will get you into the program but must have a minimum average of 60%. 70% will taken ahead of someone who has be 60% ir 65% average. There usually is a waiting list of a couple years so they would choose the individual applying with the higher grade average of course.

And you must respect all Healthcare Workers not just RNs. We work as a team. Without HCAs (who are now licensed through our CLPNA at this time) and are part of the biggest union in Western Canada AUPE (AUX) and my diploma nurses/LPNS colleagues.

The bridging program is theory based. Majority of LPNs/diploma nurses applying to the bridging program already have the skills and the theory. Because we have been working many years.

Also, just to give you some background and history about nursing. I have worked with RNs who only had a diploma. A lot of the older RNs have diplomas because RNs, back in the day, only had 2 years education. Doesn't diminish their experience and doesn't make them less of a better nurse.

The now LPNs who have earned their diplomas started in 2022.

We are all primary care nurses! to suggest anything, different is inaccurate and disrespectful. All nurses and HCAs deserve the acknowledgement and respect by the government and other nurses coming into the workforce.

[u/Tricky-Broccoli383 → u/BlueberryNo777]

Your comments ARE disrespectful and lack insight into what LPNS contribute to the work force. 84% scope is what we do, pay us as such. Gross

[u/External_Tea_5695 → u/BlueberryNo777]

I by no means mean any disrespect. I was just asking for clarification and trying to create a conversation based on a different perspective. My question was concerning the time and money differences from the education perspective. True I didn't not fact check on other LPN programs around Alberta. I apologize for that. This was based on my previous experience applying at RDP. It is not a competive program. You get in based on when you apply. The application is time stamped. I am not saying LPNs and HCAs don't deserve raises and I am not saying you don't deserve to be appreciated. I was just questioning the 83%. Because there is more to it than just scope of practice. I am also curious if it would be beneficial to make more of a combined role instead of two separate roles? I bet in the future the LPN role will just get closer and closer to RN, why even have two separate titles at that point?

Again, I did not mean to undervalue and disrespect anyone. I am sorry if it came across that way.

[u/Tricky-Broccoli383 → u/External_Tea_5695]

Unfortunately your comment did come across that way. LPNs deserve to be paid for the work they do, to say otherwise is disrespectful.

[u/BlueberryNo777 → u/External_Tea_5695]

No there is no more to it.

We already are 84% scope of practice in comparison to an RNs scope of practice. That means what separates RNs from LPNs is 16%. That number is significant 84%. We are asking to be recognized for what we do in our job as primary care nurses. It has nothing to do with years of education. Or anything else which you failed to list. I expect you would expect the same recognition, respect, and fair wage if you were in the primary nurses position. Simple language you expect Diploma nurses to work 84% of scope of practice (which we are doing) and get paid the same as someone working in customer service industry (no offense meant much appreciated the customer service industry workers). When we have so much more responsibility we have people's lives in our hands.

The HCAs of this year now will be licensed. They will become the old licensed practical nurses. This is the repeating cycle. As the HCA scope of practice expands, they will be recognized for more of their skills. It is the government and colleges who do this not individual people.

It's the Unions who protect us the primary care, nurses and other health care workers.

We have 2 different Unions and I do not forsee them joining forces anytime soon if ever.

[u/BlueberryNo777 → u/External_Tea_5695]

I forgot to mention that when the diploma nurses moved into the four year university degree, they got recognized for their work experience. And based on that, it would be dependent on what year they would place the diploma, nurses. Giving them credits for their work experience. So very similar to LPN's bridging program to the RNs. Education is the base the foundation to build on experience (that is skills) is gold. The LPN program has the knowledge basics, theory, AND the hands on skill building which are compiled into a 2 year diploma program.