AHS to ensure employees displaced by wildfires are paid until returning to work

Alberta Health Services has prepared a list of frequently asked questions for employees impacted by wildfires threatening High Level and other communities in northwestern Alberta. 

The FAQ includes a toll-free number evacuated employees can call to let the employer know that they have been evacuated, where they are, and whether or not they are able to work at an alternate worksite.

AHS says in the FAQ it is committed to ensuring AHS employees who have been displaced because of the wildfires will continue to be paid over the time it takes to return to their workplaces in their communities. This includes full time, part time and casual staff. 

At the moment, only employees working in the hospital and care centre in the town of High Level are affected, AHS said, although that could change if the fires continue to grow.

United Nurses of Alberta has been informed by AHS that in addition to regularly booked shifts, the paid time applies to casual employees with pre-booked shifts and part time employees with pre-booked additional shifts.

At this time, AHS said it is providing seven days of paid leave of absence in hopes its employees are able to return to their homes within that time frame.

UNA members with questions and concerns are encouraged to call their Labour Relations Officer at 1-800-252-9394. If you don’t know your LRO, the receptionist will assist you.