💬 “That’s Worth Fighting For”? Let’s Break It Down.

AUPE called off the strike this morning after reaching a tentative agreement with AHS.

This is what we gathered from the AUPE press conference and their Facebook post.

AUPE says the tentative agreement delivers:

• 10% scope of practice increase + 12% over 4 years for LPNs (with compound interest it makes 24%)

• 4% scope of practice increase + 12% over 4 years for HCAs (with compound interest it makes 17%)

• No agreement on scheduling - many of us work 7 days in a row, and 3 out of 5 weekends!

But here’s what Alberta’s frontline nursing staff know:

🧨 That 10% “scope” increase for LPNs is catch-up pay - for work we’ve already been doing for years.

🧨 The 12% over 4 years barely keeps pace with inflation.

🧨 Even with these increases, LPNs still won’t earn more than entry-level RNs. 🧨 HCAs, who are the backbone of bedside care, remain deeply undervalued.

📉 By 2027:

• HCA Step 8: $30.47/hour

• LPN Step 8: $44.73/hour

• RN Step 1: $45.90/hour

  
  

And yet:

✅ LPNs perform 84% or more of the same clinical duties as RNs

✅ HCAs provide essential, hands-on care every single shift

✅ Both groups have taken on expanded responsibilities with no compensation for years

This isn’t about percentages.

It’s about respect, recognition, and real equity.

We stand in solidarity - but we also stand for truth.

Symbolic raises won’t fix systemic undervaluing.

#LPNsForChange #FairPayForLPNs #RespectHCAs #ABHealthCare #NursingEquity #NotGreedyJustFair