Salary FAQs

Recognition of Previous Experience

UNA Employers will recognize relevant work experience hours from prior positions to determine salary placement. You must provide verification of your previous experience hours from your former employer(s) and complete the Recognition of Previous Experience form. 

  • Submit ONLY experience hours worked before the date you started with the health agency (ex. PCA, ALA)

  • Does not apply to positions held at the same time while employed at the health agency pillar

  • Complete and submit the Recognition of Previous Experience form and supporting documents within three (3) months from your start date.

2% Long Service Pay Adjustment (LSPA)

Employees with 20 or more calendar years of nursing service shall receive a 2% Long Service Pay Adjustment (LSPA). To be eligible for an LSPA, the Employee shall provide the Employer with reasonable proof of the Employee’s calendar years of nursing service.

The required 20 calendar years of nursing service for eligibility for this payment includes all time in a registered or licensed capacity. This will include any time licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse before becoming an RN or RPN and will include time registered with any nursing licensing body in other provinces and countries. Unregulated nursing in classifications such as Nursing Attendant or Nursing Aide will not be recognized.

You have to notify your employer of your long service; otherwise, you will not be automatically opted in for the 2% pay. In addition, you will not be paid retro pay if you are delayed in applying.

Retention-LSPA Joint Statement 

2% Special Long Service Pay Retention Date Request (UNA Only)

Education Allowances:

UNA is strongly encouraging members and duespayers to review their pay stubs to ensure they are receiving any eligible education allowance.

It is the responsibility of an employee to provide proof of applicable education, as well as to confirm the compensation information in e-People that the education allowance has been processed.

The Education Allowance is added to your step rate to form the basic rate of pay.

  • It will not display as a separate payment on your pay advice.

  • An education allowance can only be applied to the applicable education and position. 

Article 26

According to Article 26.01, Employers will acknowledge educational credentials from recognized post-secondary institutions and use those credentials to establish the Employee’s basic rate of pay.

Eligibility

Education allowances are available for completed, recognized Baccalaureate, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees once the employee provides satisfactory proof to their employer. The Employer will recognize courses, diplomas and degrees relevant to Registered Nursing or Registered Psychiatric Nursing practice offered by a bona fide Canadian postsecondary educational institution or equivalent.

Education allowances are not cumulative:

  • Employees receive only the highest applicable allowance.

  • Example: If an employee holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s, only the Master’s allowance applies.

UNA members are advised to keep a date-stamped record or copy of their notification (e.g., email) as proof of when they informed the employer

  • For information on how to check ePeople for your Education Allowances, click HERE

  • For more detailed information on Viewing Your Salary, Compensation History, and Retro Pay, click HERE

To submit an education allowance request:

  1. Complete the Education and Certificate Cover Sheet, attach all supporting documentation, and submit to your manager for review/approval.

  2. The manager will sign the Education and Certificate Cover Sheet and submit all the documentation to Shared Services – HR Administration for processing.

  3. To make sure the Education and Certificate Cover Sheet was received, contact the HR Contact Centre by either phone, 1.877.511.4455, or using the HR Contact Centre Portal.