📢 Reminder: AUPE AHS Auxiliary Staff Ratification Vote Starts Today

The ratification vote for AUPE AHS auxiliary staff begins today at 08:30 and runs until Friday at 16:30.

✅ Every member is eligible to vote, including those currently on a leave of absence. Your voice matters, and this is your opportunity to shape the future of our collective agreement.

🗳 Key Updates from the November 25 Townhall (1900) - credit: Toni Truong

Here are the highlights from last night’s discussion with the bargaining team:

1. Voting as One Unit

• Kate Robinson (Lead Negotiator) confirmed that the ratification vote will be conducted as one unit, not by pillar.

2. What Happens if We Reject the Deal?

• If members vote NO, bargaining resumes with the suggestions already provided to the negotiation team.

• Heather Stewart (bargaining team member) noted that in other unions, rejected tentative agreements often led to better offers (UNA, CUPE), or the latest offer (teachers). No group ended up with a worse deal.

3. Seniority Between Pillars

• The tentative agreement does not address seniority to transfer between pillars.

• Pay steps will likely follow within the same pillar, but moving to a different pillar in the future may mean starting fresh.

4. Wage Gap Progress

• In 2023, LPNs earned ~70% of diploma RNs.

• By 2027, the gap "narrows":

• First step LPN: $34.15 (74.4% of RN)

• Top step LPN: $44.73 (71.2% of RN)

5. ESA Violations During Strikes

• AUPE is pursuing legal action against AHS for past ESA violations.

• If violations occur again, AUPE will comply in the moment and grieve later.

6. Retro Pay

• Retro pay is pensionable.

• However, it only applies to hours worked, meaning members on disability or LOA last year will not receive retro pay.

7. Benefits

• No benefits have been removed compared to the previous contract.

💡 Why This Matters

This vote is about more than numbers. It’s about recognition, fairness, and the future of our profession. Whether you support or oppose the tentative agreement, make sure your voice is heard.

🗳 Voting runs from today at 08:30 until Friday at 16:30.

📌 Everyone is eligible - including those on leave.

✉️ Check your email from AUPE this morning for more information.

✨ Final Note

Let’s stay informed, stay united, and most importantly: VOTE on AUPE.org