An unofficial Alberta Union of Provincial Employees vote has shown 98 per cent of 11,000 voting hospital workers are in favour of job action.

The vote was open to approximately 16,000 employees in the healthcare system, including licensed practical nurses and health-care aides. If the vote stands, a strike could begin as soon as November 20.

Negotiations between the government and healthcare workers have been moving for 18 months with no results having been seen so far. Four days of mediation are scheduled to begin today (November 6).

The offer presented to the union by AHS includes a 12 per cent wage increase over four years, consistent with other deals signed by and forced upon other public service unions who have been in labour negations.

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