Interview with Jason Foster, director at the Parkland Institute
By Geri Ruston
ClickHERE to listen to our newest podcast. Jason Foster, a researcher and policy analyst with the Parkland Institute, joins us in this episode. His recent work addresses Alberta’s Bill 5, legislation that limits workers’ rights to collectively bargain and strike, which we will discuss in this podcast. The report highlights five key legislative interventions restricting union power, including back-to-work orders, essential services mandates, and right-to-strike limitations.
The Local newsletter was sent via MailChimp with updated member contact information from the Provincial UNA Office. It was sent to personal email addresses only. If you did not receive our newsletter, please update your contact information in UNA’s DMS system and email local196exec@una.ca to be added to our subscribers list. You don’t want to miss out!
ClickHERE for the new spotlight on Primary Care Alberta
As Alberta embarks on this ambitious overhaul of its health care system, critics argue that breaking up AHS and creating new agencies may not solve the underlying problems like doctor shortages and insufficient funding. The government seems focused on reorganizing the system rather than directly addressing the core issues. Is this the best approach, or are we setting ourselves up for failure in the long term?
International Human Rights Dayis celebrated on December 10th each year to mark the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adoption by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. The UDHR is a milestone document in the history of human rights, outlining the fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or other status.
The UDHR was adopted as a direct response to the atrocities of World War II. It aims to prevent such human rights abuses in the future and promote dignity, equality, and justice for all people. It sets out a broad range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, such as the right to life, liberty, security, education, healthcare, and freedom of expression and assembly.
For United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) Local 196, celebrating International Human Rights Day on December 10th emphasizes our continued advocacy for the rights of healthcare workers and patients, including safe working conditions, fair wages, and access to healthcare as a fundamental human right. It also provides a platform to highlight the connection between labour and human rights, underscoring that all individuals deserve respect, dignity, and the protection of their fundamental freedoms.
United Nurses of Alberta has been informed that nurses represented by the union working in Health Link 811, Primary Care Networks, Provincial Midwifery Services, select primary care clinics, Facilitated Access to Surgical Treatment (FAST) program, Virtual Care, Access and Navigation (V-CAN) and the Primary Health Care provincial program will be transferred from Alberta Health Services (AHS) to the new Primary Care Alberta (PCA) agency. The government has announced that the staff transfer from AHS to PCA is effective February 1, 2025.
While UNA remains deeply concerned about the chaos caused by this restructuring on nurses and their ability to deliver the best patient care possible within the public health care system, aLetter of Understandingsigned by United Nurses of Alberta and AHS on May 31, 2024, retains and expands the rights of Employees affected by the creation of new Provincial Health Agencies.
Under the LOU, Employees can transfer to the new Employer or remain employed with AHS, with full rights to displace or fill a vacant position under Article 15 of the Provincial Collective Agreement. Indirectly affected Employees displaced by affected Employees will have, in addition to full Article 15 rights, the right to select a vacant position at PCA. All affected Employees transferred from AHS to PCA will initially be treated as a part of a single bargaining unit to administer the current Provincial Collective Agreement. This will last until the payroll transfer date. UNA does not yet know when this payroll transfer date will take place.
A tiered system for hiring and downsizing will also take effect, meaning that PCA Employees will no longer be treated as internal candidates when applying for vacant positions within AHS. Still, they will be considered ahead of other external applicants not employed by a Provincial Health Agency. In the event of downsizing, PCA employees can displace other positions within PCA or apply for vacant positions within AHS. A PCA Employee can be recalled to AHS if laid off. The LOU also applies to casual Employees who pick up additional shifts and includes provisions for Employees on Leaves of Absence, Workers’ Compensation, and Disability.
UNA is preparing a Frequently Asked Questions document for members impacted by this change, which will be posted soon. This page will be updated, and the union will share more information at www.una.ca as we receive it.
On December 6, the United Nurses of Alberta Local 196 joins in observing the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, marking the tragic events of December 6, 1989, when 14 women were killed at the École Polytechnique in Montreal simply because they were women. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing epidemic of gender-based violence that women continue to face in our society.
For Local 196, this day is not only a time to honour the lives lost but also to reflect on the progress made in raising awareness around violence against women. Over the years, public understanding of this violence has evolved, with increasing attention given to issues like domestic abuse, sexual violence, and harassment. Thanks to the tireless work of advocates, survivors, and organizations, the reporting of such incidents has grown, and many women now feel more empowered to speak out and seek support.
Yet, despite these advancements, much work remains. We must continue to advocate for systemic change, stronger protections, and comprehensive support systems for all those affected by violence. By coming together on this day, we not only remember the victims but also reaffirm our commitment to fighting for a future where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated and where women can live without fear of violence in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
As we reflect on the progress made, we also recognize our responsibility to create a culture of respect, support, and accountability. Together, we can continue to take action and work toward a world where all women are free from violence.
Click HERE for the new spotlight on Alberta’s Political and Policy landscape.
The Alberta government is implementing several controversial policies raising concerns about workers’ rights, healthcare, and transparency.
Key issues include:
Freeze on the minimum wage despite rising inflation.
Restrictions on public sector wage bargaining and measures could limit workers’ ability to strike.
Potential privatization of services, including the takeover of rural hospitals by Covenant Health and the shifting of funding to private clinics for surgical backlogs.
Removal of minimum care standards for Continuing Care.
New legislation around parental rights and healthcare access.
The Local newsletter was sent via MailChimp with updated member contact information from the Provincial UNA Office. It was sent to personal email addresses only. If you did not receive our newsletter, please update your contact information in UNA’s DMS system and email local196exec@una.ca to be added to our subscribers list. You don’t want to miss out!
United Nurses of Alberta, Local 196 
You must be logged in to post a comment.