HSAA serves government with statement of claim

“This government was elected on a mandate of jobs, pipelines and the economy, not on picking a fight with working people. They consistently promised not to attack front-line workers. In just two months, they have already broken that promise.” — Mike Parker, HSAA President

Edmonton (05 July 2019) — On June 27, 2019, the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE) served the Government of Alberta with a statement of claim. In short, HSAA/NUPGE are claiming that the Government acted unconstitutionally when they delayed the date for arbitration on HSAA/NUPGE’s wage re-opener in Bill 9 Public Sector Arbitration Deferral Act. HSAA/NUPGE's President, Michael Parker, and Jason Soklofske, the union's South District board member have been named as the plaintiffs. Dan Scott of Seveny will act as counsel.

Elected on a mandate of jobs

The Alberta Teachers’ Association, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees and the United Nurses of Alberta have filed similar statements of claim.

“This government was elected on a mandate of jobs, pipelines and the economy, not on picking a fight with working people,” said Mike Parker. “They consistently promised not to attack frontline workers. In just 2 months, they have already broken that promise.”

One part of a bigger picture

The suit is an important step in the fight back against a government that seems uncaring about the law and due process when it comes to dealing with its workers. But the legal process takes time and it could be years before progress is made.

HSAA/NUPGE has asked for members to read Mike Parker’s column about the first months of Kenney’s government to see more immediate ways that Albertans can fight back. The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), HSAA's national union, is calling on all its members to read the column and support HSAA/NUPGE members in their fight.

With conservative governments taking power in provinces across the country, solidarity is needed more than ever.