PrintUNA members at Devonshire Care Centre ratify first collective agreement
United Nurses of Alberta members employed at the Devonshire Care Centre in Edmonton overwhelmingly ratified their first collective agreement this afternoon in a vote near their workplace.
The three-year agreement includes pay raises of 4 per cent in the first year, 3 per cent in the second year and 3 per cent in the third year, which will bring wages paid to Registered Nurses employed at the South Edmonton long-term care centre up to parity with UNA’s 2012 provincial wage rates, union President Heather Smith said after the vote.
The first agreement for the members of UNA Local 417 also includes shift differential pay equivalent to that paid at another Edmonton facility operated by the same employer and improvements in long-service pay and leave, Smith said.
“All UNA members should be very proud of these courageous nurses, who stuck together in a difficult struggle and showed real grit to win this fair first agreement,” said Smith.
“This now provides a solid base to build on for future agreements and gives our members at Devonshire Care mechanisms to advocate for themselves and the residents they care for,” Smith said.
The nurses’ employer has also ratified the agreement, which was reached with the assistance of a provincially appointed mediator late Tuesday. Today’s ratification vote by the UNA nurses brings to an end the strike that began New Year’s Eve.
Both negotiating teams had recommended ratification of the collective agreement.
For more information, contact:
Heather Smith, President, United Nurses of Alberta, 780-425-1025
