RESPECT & POWER

It is critically important that AUPE continues to earn respect as a strong, determined and independent voice for our membership. We steadfastly do not align ourselves with any political party.

We must never expect a political party or government to fix the problems we are confronted with; but we need to converse and work with elected leaders and stakeholders from all levels of government to ensure the voices and demands of AUPE members are heard loud and clear. We as a union, and I as your president, have gained the level of respect amongst elected officials to effectively deliver the message that needs to be heard, backed by the worker power embodied within our membership.

We have also shared our power and gained respect by being an integral partner in the Alberta Common Front which grew out of the urgent need for unions to coordinate information, strategies and actions related to collective bargaining. Often playing a leading role in the Common Front, AUPE has ensured that our members are encouraged to join other unions’ picket lines and rallies. In return we call upon other unions to support us in our struggles.

To this end a “solidarity pact” was signed by dozens of Alberta unions committing each other to mutual support, co-operation and defence of workers’ rights.