Sandra Azocar Elected President of AUPE, Promises New Direction

Sandra Azocar has officially taken the helm as president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), following her election at the union’s annual convention held in Edmonton this weekend. Azocar, who has been a dedicated union activist since she began her career as a child protection worker in 1987, won against longtime AUPE President Guy Smith on the second ballot of voting.

At 59 years old, Azocar previously served as AUPE’s executive vice-president since 2021. She expressed her commitment to hit the ground running, stating, “I hope to ensure our members get the recognition and respect for the work they do on behalf of Albertans every day.” She emphasized a focus on addressing bargaining issues with the Alberta Health Services (AHS), while also supporting negotiations across other areas.

Azocar clarified that AUPE does not intend to reintegrate with national and provincial labour organizations, such as the Canadian Labour Congress. The union has been a separate entity since its suspension from the “House of Labour” in 2002, following disputes over membership raids involving CUPE Alberta health care locals. Azocar noted, “Our members have been clear that although we understand the need to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our labour allies, joining the House of Labour is not the direction that we will be pursuing.”

The new president has a long-standing history with AUPE, having served as a vice-president from 2006 to 2012 before becoming the executive director of Friends of Medicare. In that capacity, she became a prominent advocate for publicly funded health care in Alberta. Azocar returned to AUPE in 2021 and has since played a significant role in various AUPE committees, including those focused on Pay and Social Equity and the Women’s Committee.

A member of AUPE’s Local 6, which represents social services workers directly employed by the Alberta government, Azocar’s leadership comes at a critical time. Approximately 95,000 members belong to AUPE, making it Alberta’s largest union and one of the ten largest in Canada. The change in leadership arrives just ahead of a scheduled strike vote for Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides represented by AUPE.

The outgoing president, Guy Smith, who has held the position since 2009, is well-known within Alberta’s labour movement. He won election by delegates to the annual convention seven consecutive times, solidifying his influence in the sector. Smith is also a member of Local 6 and has been a significant figure in advocating for workers’ rights throughout his tenure.

Azocar’s election marks a new chapter for AUPE as she aims to lead the union with a renewed focus on member priorities and bargaining strategies. As she embarks on this path, her leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of labour representation in Alberta.