Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) have reached a negotiated settlement for a new collective agreement, Finance Minister and President of Treasury Board Nate Horner announced Monday.
“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 in a statement.
Horner also acknowledged the efforts of both AHS and UNA leadership in reaching the agreement.
While details of the settlement have not been disclosed, Horner stated that out of respect for the union’s process, he would not comment further until the ratification vote is complete.
The agreement comes amid ongoing discussions about health care staffing and working conditions in Alberta. The results of the ratification vote will determine whether the agreement is formally adopted.
United Nurses of Alberta represents more than 33,000 registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses employed by Alberta Health Services, Recovery Alberta, Primary Care Alberta, Covenant Health, Lamont Health Care Centre, and The Bethany Group (Camrose).
“This round of negotiations has been about Respect, Retention and Recruitment. When UNA members voted against ratifying a settlement recommended by a mediator last October, they spoke and we listened,” said UNA President Heather Smith.
“UNA’s bargaining team agreed to a tentative agreement,” said UNA chief negotiator David Harrigan, who is also UNA’s Director of Labour Relations. “We believe it is an excellent agreement.”
According to the UNA website: "The four-year agreement will significantly improve wages for all affected UNA members. RNs and RPNs will have an immediate increase of approximately 15% and an overall increase of approximately 20% (not inclusive of step progression). "
