WAGING AHEAD: Alberta needs a raise
Alberta’s workforce is the lifeblood of our economy, contributing to the prosperity of the province. However, the disparity between the cost of living and the wages earned by many workers has widened, placing an increasing strain on families and hindering our ability to meet basic needs.
Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, (CUPE) want a better future for Alberta workers. In our province, hardworking individuals are the backbone of our communities, yet they face the challenge of stagnant wages that fail to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
Over the last 10 years, inflation in Alberta has run at about 30% combined, but wages have not kept up. Not by a long shot. And with inflation at record levels, our wages continue to fall further behind.
Our campaign is a call to action for better wages that reflect the dedication and hard work of every Alberta worker. By advocating for equitable compensation, we aim to uplift families, fortify communities, and bolster the economic resilience of our province.
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Our Mission
- A living wage for everyone: Every worker deserves a living wage that ensures not only survival but also the ability to thrive. Our campaign seeks to engage employers, government officials, and the public in a collective effort to establish fair and equitable wages that align with the cost of living in Alberta.
- Bargaining gains, not losses: We will not accept rollbacks or wage increases that don’t keep up with the cost of living. We won’t accept two-tied deals: If a wage is not good enough for us now, it’s not good enough for future workers.
- Bridging the wage gap: Together, we stand united in closing the wage gap that disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Our campaign is committed to addressing systemic issues that perpetuate income inequality, fostering an inclusive environment where all workers are valued and compensated fairly.
- Empowering workers: Knowledge is power, and our campaign is dedicated to empowering workers with information about their rights, advocating for workplace fairness, and supporting collective bargaining initiatives that strengthen the position of employees in negotiating fair wages. We will build capacity through education.
- We will work across sectors and with labour allies to present a united front and mobilize workers across the province.
Waging Ahead
Town Halls
March 4 – Grande Prairie Town Hall
March 4 – Grimshaw Town Hall
March 5 – Edson Town Hall
March 6 – Edmonton Town Hall
March 6 – Red Deer Town Hall
March 7 – Drumheller Town Hall
March 7 – Medicine Hat Town Hall
March 8 – Taber Town Hall
March 8 – Lethbridge Town Hall
March 8 – International Women’s Day Spotlight
March 9 – High River Town Hall
March 9 – Calgary Town Hall
March 11 – Virtual Town Hall
March 12 – Fort McMurray Town Hall
March 13 – St. Paul Town Hall
March 13 – Edmonton Town Hall
March 14 – Calgary Town Hall
March 16 – Virtual Town Hall
March 19 – Medicine Hat Town Hall
Click on the links above to register for a town hall in your area.
For a complete list of Waging Ahead events, check our calendar page.
Get involved
We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey towards economic justice for Alberta workers. Here’s how you can get involved:
1. Sign up for campaign updates: Use the sign up form on this page to join the Waging Ahead campaign. Get campaign updates and find out about upcoming events.
2. Spread the Word: Share our campaign across social media platforms, encouraging friends, family, and colleagues to join the conversation. Use the hashtag #FairWagesAB to amplify our collective voice.
3. Attend Events: We are holding town hall meetings and informational sessions across the province where you can connect with like-minded individuals, learn more about the campaign, and engage in discussions about the future of wages in Alberta. Sign up for a town hall in your area on our events page.
The time for change is now. Together, let’s build a future where every worker in Alberta can thrive, secure in the knowledge that their contributions are valued and justly rewarded. Join the CUPE campaign for fair wages and be a catalyst for positive change in our great province!
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Waging Ahead is an initiative of CUPE Alberta a division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.