Women, Work, and Our Union
Over the past 100 years, the role of women in Alberta’s labour history grew, as the number of women in the workforce also grew. That soon brought a fight for fair and equal treatment and job opportunities, and the growing involvement with their unions. This webcomic explores some of the struggles, gains and the work that still needs to be done when it comes to women in labour – such as continuing the fight for pay equity.
Building a Union: Creation of the CSAA
Against the backdrop of the Canadian Labour Revolt, the Civil Service Association of Alberta (CSAA) came into being in 1919, representing provincial government workers. The fledgling union had a difficult and complex relationship with its employer leading to a drive to gain more independence as a union. This is the story of how the CSAA was founded, paving the way for what would later lead to the emergence of AUPE.
Transforming into AUPE
In 1976, the Civil Service Association of Alberta (CSAA) became the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) out of a desire for the union to gain its independence. Explore the conditions that led up to this groundbreaking moment in Alberta labour history and the struggles that followed, including the famous 1980 ‘Apples and Oranges Strike’ that saw thousands of AUPE members walk off the job in pursuit of fair treatment by their employer.