Alberta Healthcare Workers Ratify New Agreement, Boost Wages and Conditions

Thousands of healthcare professionals in Alberta have ratified a new four-year collective agreement, following a tense period that nearly culminated in a strike last weekend. Members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), including nearly 16,000 licensed practical nurses and healthcare aides employed by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Allen Grey Continuing Care, approved the deal that will govern their wages and working conditions until March 31, 2028.

The agreement is retroactive to April 1, 2024, and received a strong endorsement from union members, with 71 percent voting in favor. Support was particularly robust among those working for Allen Grey Continuing Care, where 95 percent approved the contract. Conversely, nursing care members at Lamont Health Care Centre rejected the agreement and will return to the bargaining table for further negotiations.

AUPE President Sandra Azocar described the ratification process as “a long and frustrating journey,” but noted that the new deal sets a precedent for collective agreements across the province. “This collective agreement is a strong step towards the wages and working conditions our members deserve,” Azocar stated. She expressed confidence that this outcome would strengthen their position for future negotiations in 2028.

Key Features of the Agreement

The new contract outlines significant wage increases for healthcare workers. Licensed practical nurses will see a rise of 23.81 percent, while healthcare aides will benefit from an increase of 17.05 percent. The agreement also includes retroactive payments for hours worked since the beginning of April.

Additional highlights include substantial adjustments to shift premiums and on-call rates. For instance, the Responsibility Premium will increase from $1.25 to $3.50 per hour, and Regular On-Call pay will rise from $3.30 to $7.00 per hour. Named Holiday On-Call rates will also see an increase, from $4.50 to $7.00 per hour.

Funding for rural healthcare initiatives has also been addressed in the agreement, with a commitment of $4.368 million for 2024 and $12.6 million annually for the following three years.

Government Support and Future Stability

The agreement has received positive feedback from government officials, including Nate Horner, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Finance. “After months of negotiations, we appreciate the collective effort it has taken for AHS and AUPE to reach an agreement,” Horner remarked. He highlighted the improvements in salaries and benefits for nearly 16,000 licensed practical nurses and healthcare aides, emphasizing that the deal aims to foster long-term stability within Alberta’s healthcare system.

The ratification of this agreement comes after a critical moment on November 22, when a strike was narrowly avoided just as a tentative deal was reached. The new framework not only enhances the financial outlook for healthcare workers but also underscores the ongoing efforts to improve working conditions in a sector that has faced considerable challenges in recent years.