Alberta nurses and provincial health agencies reach tentative deal
The union representing more than 30,000 nurses in Alberta has reached a tentative agreement with provincial health agencies.
On Monday, the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) announced the tentative agreement was signed between the union and several public health agencies including Alberta Health Services, Recovery Alberta, Primary Care Alberta, Covenant Health, Lamont Health Care Centre, and The Bethany Group (Camrose).
According to a Monday press release, the new four-year collective agreement will “significantly improve” wages for members. Registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) will have an immediate increase of approximately 15 per cent, and an overall increase of approximately 20 per cent.
“There are also other significant monetary improvements in the tentative agreement, including increases to charge pay, on-call pay, and car allowances, plus agreement that employers will pay all professional college registration and liability insurance fees,” the UNA said in the release.
Before the agreement becomes official, members will have to vote to ratify the new provincial collective agreement. The negotiating committee is recommending the ratification vote take place on April 2.
Finance Minister Nate Horner thanked both AHS and UNA leadership for their efforts and said he cannot speak on the contents of the deal at this time.
“I have tremendous respect for the unique role nurses have in the health and well-being of all Albertans. This proposed settlement recognizes their hard work and dedication and the value they bring to our health care system,” Horner said.
On top of the monetary increase, employers will commit to providing a safe environment for staff and clients. The UNA said they’ve received a letter from the health minister stating that any job transfers of a RN or RPN due to the refocusing of the health care system to a new agency or health corporation will preserve seniority, contractual benefits and UNA representation.
A second letter signed by the jobs, economy and trade minister stated that RNs and RPNS will be included in presumptive coverage by the Worker’s Compensation Board for any psychological injuries related to post-traumatic stress disorder and other traumatic mental health injuries. The UNA said this was a “significant policy change.”
A virtual reporting meeting of local representatives will be held on March 25.
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