Important update from United Nurses of Alberta’s Negotiations Committee. Please share with UNA members.
UPDATE #6
April 19, 2024
Talks continued April 16, 17 and 18. Had productive discussions about many outstanding Articles/provisions. Articles 2, 13, 25 32, 42, Letter of Understanding #4 and Letter of Understanding #6 signed off as current language. Article 43 also signed off with minor improvements to meal allowances.
UNA is close to completing the overarching Essential Services Agreement with AHS. Dates to be established with other Employers.
No additional clarification regarding Recovery Alberta provided by AHS. No hearing date yet set for UNA’s Bargaining in Bad Faith complaint to the Labour Relations Board regarding Recovery Alberta.
The Negotiating Committee has scheduled a virtual Presidents Meeting for all Locals participating in Provincial Negotiations to discuss and seek Local direction regarding “Recovery Alberta”. The meeting is scheduled for Friday May 3, 2024. Details will be sent to affected Locals.
Next scheduled bargaining dates are May 6, 7 and 8, 2024
Click HERE for the new spotlight on Labour Rights in Alberta. This spotlight and previous spotlights are also located under the A&E tab on this website.
United Nurses of Alberta has filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Alberta Labour Relations Board alleging bad faith bargaining and interference with the union’s representation of its members by Alberta Health Services in negotiations for a new Provincial Collective Agreement.
The UNA complaint stems from circumstances related to the Alberta Government’s plan to create Recovery Alberta, a new provincial addiction, mental health and correctional services agency.
UNA’s complaint says the employer failed to negotiate in good faith, as required by Section 60(3) of the Alberta Labour Relations Code, when it planned the transition of approximately 3,200 members, about 10 per cent of the union’s membership, to the new employer without regard for their existing collective bargaining agreement rights.
Under the current collective agreement between UNA and AHS, members are able to elect whether or not to transfer to the new employer in the event of a transfer of services as would be the case in the creation of Recovery Alberta.
“The provincial government has stated that the plan for Recovery Alberta has been done in collaboration with AHS and front-line workers, yet no consultation or information was shared with UNA and no bargaining occurred with UNA regarding the transition,” the complaint says. “The ‘transfer’ was announced publicly on April 2, 2024, concurrently with when it was announced to UNA.”
In addition to the employer’s bargaining in bad faith, the union complaint says, AHS interfered with UNA’s representation of its members by notifying AHS employees directly of the transfer before negotiating how the transfer would proceed with the union.
“This undermines the role of the Union as exclusive bargaining agent with respect to its members, and interferes with the Union’s ability to effectively represent their members,” the complaint says.
UNA is seeking the following interim remedies, which would have to be implemented immediately:
– An order directing AHS to cease engaging in direct communication with employees regarding their transfer to Recovery Alberta – An order directing AHS to bargain in good faith
In addition, the union is seeking the following remedies:
– A declaration the employer has violated the Code – An order that AHS cease and desist violating the Code – An order directing the employer to bargaining in good faith – An order directing AHS to cease engaging in direct communication with employees regarding their transfer to Recovery Alberta – An order providing the union and its members with general damages resulting from the employer’s interference with the union’s representational rights and the members right to be represented – An order that the employer post notices for employees setting out the Board’s orders on the matter – Any of the above remedies on an interim basis – Any other order or direction that is appropriate in the circumstance.
UNA’s May 9 Wellness Day to focus on sleep and financial health
United Nurses of Alberta members are invited to register to participate in the union’s online Wellness Day event on May 9, 2024, with the theme of “Sleep Smarter, Save Savvier: Strategies for Sleep and Financial Wellness.”
Focusing on financial health and sleep, the all-day Zoom webinar will include:
• Strategies to sleep smarter, by Dr. Geoffrey Soloway, the founder and chief training officer of MindWell-U • Financial wellness breakout sessions: investing basics and cash flow • Breathwork for Mindfulness Practice with Dr. Soloway
Please register on the union’s DMS system using your membership card and PIN. You will then receive a confirmation email with a link to register with Zoom in order to receive the webinar link.
UNA members planning to attend are encouraged to request a Professional Development Day.
Members who are unable to attend this Wellness Day live will have the opportunity to view a recorded version following the event. More information will be available shortly after the live event on how to access the recording and the deadline when it will no longer be available as per the terms of the presenters.
If you have registered and are no longer able to attend, please cancel your registration in DMS or email Local196Education@una.ca prior to the registration deadline.
If the deadline has passed and you wish to be placed on the waitlist, please email Local196Education@una.ca
A survey by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Union (CFNU), revealed a staggering truth: out of 5000 nurses surveyed across the country, only 7% – a mere 350 nurses – reported not experiencing some form of burnout.
That means a shocking 93% – 4650 dedicated nurses – are feeling the weight of burnout every single day.
These aren’t just statistics; this is our nurses’ reality.
It’s a reality that’s not just affecting them but straining relationships, jeopardizing patient care, and taking a toll on their mental health.
Our nurses deserve better than this. They deserve safe staffing levels, adequate resources, and environments that prioritize their well-being.
Click HERE for the new spotlight on Alberta’s proposed Parental Rights policy. This spotlight references information from a recent trans-studies webinar and links to related articles. This spotlight and previous spotlights are also under the A&E tab on this website.
Click HERE to watch the video on the proposed Parental Rights policy.
If you have concerns about the proposed policy, please contact your MLA.
Important update from United Nurses of Alberta’s Negotiations Committee.
March 22, 2024
Met with the Employers March 19 and 20, 2024. The UNA Committee met March 21 and 22 to review all proposals and consider future steps.
Continued non-monetary discussions. Employers remain focused on ability to hire external candidates over internal candidates, limit internal movement and increase the percentage of full-time workers to achieve “stability”.
UNA proposed an interim extension of Rural Capacity Investment Fund (RCIF) which is to expire March 30, 2024 but Employers rejected UNA’s proposal.
On March 21, 2024 the Minister of Health, Adriana LaGrange announced changes to Continuing Care will occur in the fall of 2024, but that changes to Mental Health & Addictions will proceed this spring. AHS was unable to provide any clarification or information about pending changes/restructuring.
Next Bargaining dates are April 2, 3, and 4, 2024. Additional dates set for May 6,7 and 8, 2024 (to replace cancelled dates of March 5, 6 and 7).
Talks continued April 16, 17 and 18. Had productive discussions about many outstanding Articles/provisions. Articles 2, 13, 25 32, 42, Letter of Understanding #4 and Letter of Understanding #6 signed off as current language. Article 43 also signed off with minor improvements to meal allowances.
United Nurses of Alberta, Local 196 
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